Sunday, October 5, 2008
New Life!
Today is the last day of having help from a second person after Adrian was born. The first 2 weeks was both my mother-in-law and my husband, Steven. The third week was my mother. The fourth week was my father and the fifth week, this week, was my husband, Steven again. Tomorrow, Steven is going back to work. It will be my first day alone with two of them! Cassandra has a field trip and I also scheduled an event to go to pumpkin patch with the mom's group in the afternoon. This week I have 3 different doctor's appointments and so I will certainly get a good feel on how it is being a stay-home-mom with a 4-year old and a newborn. All I know is I have to quickly get a routine set up to make all 3 of our lives easier! ^_^ This will also be my last entry on this blog. This blog was dedicated to my pregnancy, to my 2nd miracle. Unless there's another miracle (I doubt it!), this blog will be close for good. For those of you who are pregnant or are getting pregnant and like to compare my stories to yours, you are more than welcome to come and visit from time-to-time! So, from now on, just come and visit me at http://tinapei.blogspot.com. And, don't forget to leave me comments. I love to read them! See you!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Celebrating the end of my Sitting Month
After writing all the things that I did for the past month, I want to share with you what I did these past few days to celebrate!!
On Saturday, we went out the door at 12 noon. We were going to leave earlier, but since it was our first time going out with Adrian, we had to make sure we brought everything we needed with us. We first went to Toys R Us and got Cassandra Leap Frog's toys. Her early birthday present since there was a sale. We then went to Babies R Us and got some necessities for Adrian. After that, it was already 3pm. We started driving down south to Chestnut Hill area to The Melting Pot for dinner. When we got there at 4pm, we strolled around the town on Germantown Avenue and went in to the restaurant at 5:30pm. After we finished our dinner at 8pm, we decided to hit to Target after we got back to Lehigh Valley. By the time we got home, it was exactly at 10pm. What did Adrian do the whole day? Guess because it was his first time out and that he had really enjoyed the car's movement, he slept the whole time! Yeap, he slept all day...which means, he slept very little that night.
On Sunday, with only 3 hours of sleep, we got up at 8:30am and started to get ready to leave to go to NJ and NY. We went to Buy Buy Baby first and returned some merchandise and bought some clothing for Adrian. We then went to Mitsuwa for lunch and met up with Monica, Jeff, Steve and my mom. We also bumped into my mom's friends, Paula and James. They were all over Adrian during lunch! After that, we drove to Flushing to the salon. I had my facial appointment and Steven had his haircut appointment. When we left the salon, it was almost 7pm and we walked to the restaurant where we were meeting our friends. It was a shabu shabu restaurant with Taiwnese ice as dessert. There were total 16 of us. I had a great time catching up with friends and was especially glad to see Johnny and Helene whose wedding we missed 2 weeks before.
On Monday, after picking up Cassandra from her school, we went to Lehigh Valley Mall to do more shopping and drove over to Hellertown to this buffet restaurant that my mom's group recommended. The food was good. It wasn't gourmet, but pretty delicious. The best part is it was cheap. $6 per person only on Mondays and Tuesdays and kids under 5 are free! We went with Tiffany, her mom, and Michael. With the kids free, we only paid $30 for all 5 adults! Can't beat that!
On Tuesday, we drove down south to Assi for grocery shopping after picked up Cassandra from her school. And, we went to the Korean BBQ restaurant right next to the supermarket for the first time. I guess because there are not that much competition, there weren't many side dishes, but the meat was pretty good. We had a nice dinner. It was good enough to kill our craving for Korean BBQ.
Today, we finally rest. We had dinner at home. Steven finally got to cook 'real and normal' food! I took Cassandra to The Little Gym in the morning and to her dance class in the afternoon. It was the first time I got behind the wheel since Adrian was born. He was home with his daddy. It felt good to spend time alone with Cassandra to her classes, just like the old days. From next week and on, after Steven gets back to work, both Cassandra and I will have to start to live our new life with Adrian!
On Saturday, we went out the door at 12 noon. We were going to leave earlier, but since it was our first time going out with Adrian, we had to make sure we brought everything we needed with us. We first went to Toys R Us and got Cassandra Leap Frog's toys. Her early birthday present since there was a sale. We then went to Babies R Us and got some necessities for Adrian. After that, it was already 3pm. We started driving down south to Chestnut Hill area to The Melting Pot for dinner. When we got there at 4pm, we strolled around the town on Germantown Avenue and went in to the restaurant at 5:30pm. After we finished our dinner at 8pm, we decided to hit to Target after we got back to Lehigh Valley. By the time we got home, it was exactly at 10pm. What did Adrian do the whole day? Guess because it was his first time out and that he had really enjoyed the car's movement, he slept the whole time! Yeap, he slept all day...which means, he slept very little that night.
On Sunday, with only 3 hours of sleep, we got up at 8:30am and started to get ready to leave to go to NJ and NY. We went to Buy Buy Baby first and returned some merchandise and bought some clothing for Adrian. We then went to Mitsuwa for lunch and met up with Monica, Jeff, Steve and my mom. We also bumped into my mom's friends, Paula and James. They were all over Adrian during lunch! After that, we drove to Flushing to the salon. I had my facial appointment and Steven had his haircut appointment. When we left the salon, it was almost 7pm and we walked to the restaurant where we were meeting our friends. It was a shabu shabu restaurant with Taiwnese ice as dessert. There were total 16 of us. I had a great time catching up with friends and was especially glad to see Johnny and Helene whose wedding we missed 2 weeks before.
On Monday, after picking up Cassandra from her school, we went to Lehigh Valley Mall to do more shopping and drove over to Hellertown to this buffet restaurant that my mom's group recommended. The food was good. It wasn't gourmet, but pretty delicious. The best part is it was cheap. $6 per person only on Mondays and Tuesdays and kids under 5 are free! We went with Tiffany, her mom, and Michael. With the kids free, we only paid $30 for all 5 adults! Can't beat that!
On Tuesday, we drove down south to Assi for grocery shopping after picked up Cassandra from her school. And, we went to the Korean BBQ restaurant right next to the supermarket for the first time. I guess because there are not that much competition, there weren't many side dishes, but the meat was pretty good. We had a nice dinner. It was good enough to kill our craving for Korean BBQ.
Today, we finally rest. We had dinner at home. Steven finally got to cook 'real and normal' food! I took Cassandra to The Little Gym in the morning and to her dance class in the afternoon. It was the first time I got behind the wheel since Adrian was born. He was home with his daddy. It felt good to spend time alone with Cassandra to her classes, just like the old days. From next week and on, after Steven gets back to work, both Cassandra and I will have to start to live our new life with Adrian!
The end of my Sitting Month
I planned to write this on Saturday, 9/27, but I was just WAY TOO busy that I didn't get a chance until now.
My 2nd Sitting Month is finally over. After looking back this past month, I actually broke a lot of rules. Things I shouldn't done. Thou, I do feel I recover better this time than the first time. I don't know if it's because that I was having a boy that I didn't gain much weight that my tummy went down much faster than last time. Besides the fact that I had skin problem, I tried my best to wear a girdle (I think that's how you call it). It not only helped me to try to keep my tummy down, it also helped my pain from my uterus and the incision. And, this time, because both Steven and I have a third person to help out that I could take naps in the afternoon and after I stopped breastfeeding, I get to sleep through the nights which helped me to recover my energy.
The things that I did which I shouldn't. Hmmm....
1. No shower, no washing hair. There's no way I could of follow that! I took shower twice in the hospital and I showered everyday after that. Because of my skin problem, constant itching feeling especially after sweat, I washed my hair twice a day! Ha..not only I shouldn't do it, I did it twice a day...hee hee...
2. Do not drink water, should drink this Chinese herb medicine instead. Well, with the pain medication, the vitamins, the stool softener that the nurse gave me in the hospital, I had to take them with water. I didn't feel right to take western medication with Chinese herb drink...kind of weird mix. And, during the month, I sweat a lot and I sweat even more after drinking these Chinese herb drink (they were hot). How could I not drink water to calm me down?!
3. Drink and eat all warm food and beverages, nothing cold! Well, the end of August and the month of September is still pretty hot. It's too hard to eat and drink everything hot. By the end of the first week, my mood had gotten pretty bad, so I asked Steven to let me eat ice cream for dessert after dinner. He finally gave in and said he was going to give me a treat. Hee hee...and I did feel better after that treat! Did I have ice cream after that? Sure, I did. It wasn't everyday, but every 'few' days. I also drank my goji juice out of refrigerator every morning. By the 3rd week, Steven also let me have some sips of soda here and there.
4. Do not eat food that will make my body cold internally. This means that there were vegetables and fruits that I had to stay away from...like, lettuce, orange, watermelon, etc. These vegetables and fruits are meant to cool down your body. During the summer, when the weather is hot, you will want to eat lettuce and/or watermelon to cool down your body and these were the types of food that I was forbidden to eat.
5. Stay home for 30 days. Ha, I followed this rule pretty well...better than last time. I did go out once thou. And, that was because I had to go see my dermatologist. And, thank goodness I went, otherwise, I can't imagine how I would survive for the last week of my sitting month.
6. Stay in my bedroom, rest, rest and rest. For those of you who know me should know that this is impossible. When I got up every morning, after I cleaned myself and changed to 'home clothes', I would go downstairs and stayed downstairs. I only went upstairs if I had to get on my computer or change baby's diaper. I pretty much stayed downstairs the whole day. I even napped on my couch. I don't know why, I am just not use to lying in my bed during the day with my PJ, and just sleep, sleep, and sleep. I think I am too active for that.
7. No TV, no Internet, let eyes rest. Okay, with this, I totally wanted to follow. With the first time, I had watched too much TV during the month that my eyes get tiring very easily during the day ever since after my first delivery. It is also very very hard to follow. First of all, we only have one TV in the house and it's right in the middle of our family room with open-style kitchen. Since we did have our parents came and help, it's hard not to let them watch TV. So, whenever the TV is on, I, of course, will ended up watching it. With Internet, well, if you are reading this blog, you will know that I had been on the Internet during the month. I just couldn't help it. It definitely helped me a lot to kill my time. There are at least 3 screen I opened everyday, one, of course, was my email. Second one was my Facebook. I was so glad that I had signed up for it during the summer. It was pretty interesting to go through it everyday to see what my friends were up to. The last one was my mom's group's website. Our group's Message Board had been very active that it certainly entertained me by reading and responding all the messages. So, this no TV, no Internet, no MONITOR rule was impossible for me to follow!
8. Need to wear long sleeves and pants, no shorts! I wanted to follow this too. I even went to the King of Prussia Mall just 2 weekends before the baby was born to look for long sleeves/pants PJ with very thin cotton material. And, I finally found it in Nordstrom and was so happy about it. It turned out that when I wore it at night, I sweat. And, of course, after that I just keep scratching myself. So, I ended up wearing my normal summer PJ at night time and put only a think blanket on to keep me cool, to keep me from scratching. During the day, I suppose to wear long sleeves and pants too. Well, because of my skin problem, I ended wearing short sleeves t-shirt with pants or capris. Now, since my Sitting Month is over, with breaking of this rule, I did feel something different. For the past few days, I felt my shoulder and my back got chill very easily...sometime, even my arms and my knees. It's not a cold feeling, it's chill. I not only had to wear long sleeve t-shirt when I went out, I also had to bring some kind of vest...to at least cover my back and my shoulders. Hmmm....I feel like my mom...wonder if this is what's going to happen from now on...
9. No crying, no tearing. They said if you cry during this month, your eyes will be tearing very easily from now on. Well, with the post-partum depression coming from the stress with the baby, the breastfeeding, and the change of hormone, it was pretty normal to shed some tears. I cried by the end of the first week because of these stress and missing my mom. I then cried again by the end of 2nd week because of my mom coming to my house a day later. I cried again during the 3rd week because missing of my cats. Yeah, my cats, who lived at my mom's house after we moved out 4 years ago, who were already 15 1/2 years old, who we all had decided to put them to sleep after seeing how we were all having bad allergy when we went to my mom's house to visit. I cried total of 4 times...guess I will just have tiring eyes (by watching TV and PC), and have tearing eyes. Haha...just messed up eyes!!
I think this is it. 9 rules that I broke. I think that was enough! You see all these DONTs? This is the reason why I always say if you think 9 months pregnancy was hard and couldn't wait to get it over with, the first 30-day after delivery is even harder!!
My 2nd Sitting Month is finally over. After looking back this past month, I actually broke a lot of rules. Things I shouldn't done. Thou, I do feel I recover better this time than the first time. I don't know if it's because that I was having a boy that I didn't gain much weight that my tummy went down much faster than last time. Besides the fact that I had skin problem, I tried my best to wear a girdle (I think that's how you call it). It not only helped me to try to keep my tummy down, it also helped my pain from my uterus and the incision. And, this time, because both Steven and I have a third person to help out that I could take naps in the afternoon and after I stopped breastfeeding, I get to sleep through the nights which helped me to recover my energy.
The things that I did which I shouldn't. Hmmm....
1. No shower, no washing hair. There's no way I could of follow that! I took shower twice in the hospital and I showered everyday after that. Because of my skin problem, constant itching feeling especially after sweat, I washed my hair twice a day! Ha..not only I shouldn't do it, I did it twice a day...hee hee...
2. Do not drink water, should drink this Chinese herb medicine instead. Well, with the pain medication, the vitamins, the stool softener that the nurse gave me in the hospital, I had to take them with water. I didn't feel right to take western medication with Chinese herb drink...kind of weird mix. And, during the month, I sweat a lot and I sweat even more after drinking these Chinese herb drink (they were hot). How could I not drink water to calm me down?!
3. Drink and eat all warm food and beverages, nothing cold! Well, the end of August and the month of September is still pretty hot. It's too hard to eat and drink everything hot. By the end of the first week, my mood had gotten pretty bad, so I asked Steven to let me eat ice cream for dessert after dinner. He finally gave in and said he was going to give me a treat. Hee hee...and I did feel better after that treat! Did I have ice cream after that? Sure, I did. It wasn't everyday, but every 'few' days. I also drank my goji juice out of refrigerator every morning. By the 3rd week, Steven also let me have some sips of soda here and there.
4. Do not eat food that will make my body cold internally. This means that there were vegetables and fruits that I had to stay away from...like, lettuce, orange, watermelon, etc. These vegetables and fruits are meant to cool down your body. During the summer, when the weather is hot, you will want to eat lettuce and/or watermelon to cool down your body and these were the types of food that I was forbidden to eat.
5. Stay home for 30 days. Ha, I followed this rule pretty well...better than last time. I did go out once thou. And, that was because I had to go see my dermatologist. And, thank goodness I went, otherwise, I can't imagine how I would survive for the last week of my sitting month.
6. Stay in my bedroom, rest, rest and rest. For those of you who know me should know that this is impossible. When I got up every morning, after I cleaned myself and changed to 'home clothes', I would go downstairs and stayed downstairs. I only went upstairs if I had to get on my computer or change baby's diaper. I pretty much stayed downstairs the whole day. I even napped on my couch. I don't know why, I am just not use to lying in my bed during the day with my PJ, and just sleep, sleep, and sleep. I think I am too active for that.
7. No TV, no Internet, let eyes rest. Okay, with this, I totally wanted to follow. With the first time, I had watched too much TV during the month that my eyes get tiring very easily during the day ever since after my first delivery. It is also very very hard to follow. First of all, we only have one TV in the house and it's right in the middle of our family room with open-style kitchen. Since we did have our parents came and help, it's hard not to let them watch TV. So, whenever the TV is on, I, of course, will ended up watching it. With Internet, well, if you are reading this blog, you will know that I had been on the Internet during the month. I just couldn't help it. It definitely helped me a lot to kill my time. There are at least 3 screen I opened everyday, one, of course, was my email. Second one was my Facebook. I was so glad that I had signed up for it during the summer. It was pretty interesting to go through it everyday to see what my friends were up to. The last one was my mom's group's website. Our group's Message Board had been very active that it certainly entertained me by reading and responding all the messages. So, this no TV, no Internet, no MONITOR rule was impossible for me to follow!
8. Need to wear long sleeves and pants, no shorts! I wanted to follow this too. I even went to the King of Prussia Mall just 2 weekends before the baby was born to look for long sleeves/pants PJ with very thin cotton material. And, I finally found it in Nordstrom and was so happy about it. It turned out that when I wore it at night, I sweat. And, of course, after that I just keep scratching myself. So, I ended up wearing my normal summer PJ at night time and put only a think blanket on to keep me cool, to keep me from scratching. During the day, I suppose to wear long sleeves and pants too. Well, because of my skin problem, I ended wearing short sleeves t-shirt with pants or capris. Now, since my Sitting Month is over, with breaking of this rule, I did feel something different. For the past few days, I felt my shoulder and my back got chill very easily...sometime, even my arms and my knees. It's not a cold feeling, it's chill. I not only had to wear long sleeve t-shirt when I went out, I also had to bring some kind of vest...to at least cover my back and my shoulders. Hmmm....I feel like my mom...wonder if this is what's going to happen from now on...
9. No crying, no tearing. They said if you cry during this month, your eyes will be tearing very easily from now on. Well, with the post-partum depression coming from the stress with the baby, the breastfeeding, and the change of hormone, it was pretty normal to shed some tears. I cried by the end of the first week because of these stress and missing my mom. I then cried again by the end of 2nd week because of my mom coming to my house a day later. I cried again during the 3rd week because missing of my cats. Yeah, my cats, who lived at my mom's house after we moved out 4 years ago, who were already 15 1/2 years old, who we all had decided to put them to sleep after seeing how we were all having bad allergy when we went to my mom's house to visit. I cried total of 4 times...guess I will just have tiring eyes (by watching TV and PC), and have tearing eyes. Haha...just messed up eyes!!
I think this is it. 9 rules that I broke. I think that was enough! You see all these DONTs? This is the reason why I always say if you think 9 months pregnancy was hard and couldn't wait to get it over with, the first 30-day after delivery is even harder!!
Friday, September 26, 2008
The last day of my Sitting Month
Today, 9/26, is the last day of my Sitting Month. Adrian is now downstairs sleeping in his bounce chair in front of TV with his sister.
Last night was the first night in 2 weeks that I slept with him. I couldn't sleep well. Because my brother came and visit after his work, we talked until 1am. When I went to bed, I kept thinking Adrian will be waking up any minute that I just couldn't fell asleep. He started to stir around 1:45am, and I finally picked him up and woke him up at 2am. If I kept waiting, I just kept postponing my sleep. After feeding, I still couldn't sleep well. I guess it's because I haven't gotten use to him that I kept thinking he will wake up any minute. By 4:45am, I got waken up again because Steven was ready to go to work. And, at around 5:30am, I got up and fed him and dozed off to sleep after that. At 8am, I got wake up again by Cassandra and finally gave up and decided to say 'good bye' to my sleep of the day.
Cassandra woke up this morning with a very bad mood. She was fussing and because I was tire and exhausted, I got annoyed at her too. She started to cry and cry and I just had to leave her in her room for her to cry it out before I go back to sooth her. I was too tire to try to comfort her. I knew why she was crying. It was that kind of very 'sad' cry. She knew there is nobody sleeping now in the baby's room that she can run to to talk and play. Her A-Ma (my mother-in-law), her Po Po (my mom), her Gong Gong (my dad), and her Jiou Jiou (my brother) all left. My brother came last night after work and left this morning to go back to his work. For the past whole month, she had gotten used to and enjoy the company of all her beloved grandparents. They talked to her, they played with her, they did homework with her, they took her to school, to classes. When my dad left last night, I knew she was very upset. But, because my brother was here, she seemed all right until I told her she won't be seeing her uncle when she wake up next morning, her sad face came back again. This morning, after she finished her crying, her first words were, "Did Jiuo Jiou left already?" I felt so bad. She also asked me if we are going anywhere today and I had to tell her 'no' because I still have to stay home for my last day. So, I promised her I will play with her today and do some activities with her. I feel bad for her, but I know she will get over it very soon after we start our daily activities.
Last night was the first night in 2 weeks that I slept with him. I couldn't sleep well. Because my brother came and visit after his work, we talked until 1am. When I went to bed, I kept thinking Adrian will be waking up any minute that I just couldn't fell asleep. He started to stir around 1:45am, and I finally picked him up and woke him up at 2am. If I kept waiting, I just kept postponing my sleep. After feeding, I still couldn't sleep well. I guess it's because I haven't gotten use to him that I kept thinking he will wake up any minute. By 4:45am, I got waken up again because Steven was ready to go to work. And, at around 5:30am, I got up and fed him and dozed off to sleep after that. At 8am, I got wake up again by Cassandra and finally gave up and decided to say 'good bye' to my sleep of the day.
Cassandra woke up this morning with a very bad mood. She was fussing and because I was tire and exhausted, I got annoyed at her too. She started to cry and cry and I just had to leave her in her room for her to cry it out before I go back to sooth her. I was too tire to try to comfort her. I knew why she was crying. It was that kind of very 'sad' cry. She knew there is nobody sleeping now in the baby's room that she can run to to talk and play. Her A-Ma (my mother-in-law), her Po Po (my mom), her Gong Gong (my dad), and her Jiou Jiou (my brother) all left. My brother came last night after work and left this morning to go back to his work. For the past whole month, she had gotten used to and enjoy the company of all her beloved grandparents. They talked to her, they played with her, they did homework with her, they took her to school, to classes. When my dad left last night, I knew she was very upset. But, because my brother was here, she seemed all right until I told her she won't be seeing her uncle when she wake up next morning, her sad face came back again. This morning, after she finished her crying, her first words were, "Did Jiuo Jiou left already?" I felt so bad. She also asked me if we are going anywhere today and I had to tell her 'no' because I still have to stay home for my last day. So, I promised her I will play with her today and do some activities with her. I feel bad for her, but I know she will get over it very soon after we start our daily activities.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
HAHA! HAHA! HAHAHAHAHA!
What a great thing I just discovered today! Because this DIY Sitting Month box that I bought contained exactly 30 packs of the Chinese herb medicine, when I took out one of the pack today, I realized there's only one pack left! I started to wonder and went to the calendar and started to count the days again, and yes, my Sitting Month is actually finishing tomorrow! My first free day is this Saturday, 9/27, not Sunday 9/28! YAY! How stupid was I? How did I calculated wrong? Well, because both Cassandra and Adrian born on a Thursday, and Cassandra was born at 7pm, so at that time I calculated from Friday as the first day, which was also the day I started my first pack. This time Adrian was born at 3am, and I started my first pack on Thursday which meant I should of start counting my first day on Thursday instead of Friday. Anyway, I can go out this Saturday! Haha.... Hmmm...now, let me see how do I spend this day!
Today is also the last day of my 'semi-half-baby freedom' day. My father (my last helper during this month) is leaving tonight. He was suppose leaving tomorrow, but he had to go back to work tomorrow morning as last minute notice. For the past 2 1/2 years of living here in PA, this is the first time my dad actually stayed over at our house. Not only I had enjoyed his company because of his help (and my mom and mother-in-law too), but Cassandra certainly had enjoyed this whole week of being with her favorite grandpa! With her constant calling of 'Gong gong (grandpa)', she will certainly misses him a great deal tomorrow. And, tonight will be the first night in a little more than 2 weeks that I will be sleeping with Adrian. I will have to then get up at least twice in the middle of the night to feed him. I will have to say 'good bye' to my 'good sleep' starting from tonight!! And, who knows how long will that goes!! Cassandra slept through the night at around 6, 7 weeks old, I am praying Adrian will be the same too, if not earlier...haha..
So, yes, I am very happy today to find out I get to go out this Saturday, but I am also not looking forward of getting up in the middle of the night and definitely not looking forward tomorrow. Friday is the day that Cassandra has nothing scheduled. No school, no classes, no nothing. And, because I still can't go out yet, I will have to be in the house alone tomorrow with both of them. Ahhhh! Who can come and be my company!!
Today is also the last day of my 'semi-half-baby freedom' day. My father (my last helper during this month) is leaving tonight. He was suppose leaving tomorrow, but he had to go back to work tomorrow morning as last minute notice. For the past 2 1/2 years of living here in PA, this is the first time my dad actually stayed over at our house. Not only I had enjoyed his company because of his help (and my mom and mother-in-law too), but Cassandra certainly had enjoyed this whole week of being with her favorite grandpa! With her constant calling of 'Gong gong (grandpa)', she will certainly misses him a great deal tomorrow. And, tonight will be the first night in a little more than 2 weeks that I will be sleeping with Adrian. I will have to then get up at least twice in the middle of the night to feed him. I will have to say 'good bye' to my 'good sleep' starting from tonight!! And, who knows how long will that goes!! Cassandra slept through the night at around 6, 7 weeks old, I am praying Adrian will be the same too, if not earlier...haha..
So, yes, I am very happy today to find out I get to go out this Saturday, but I am also not looking forward of getting up in the middle of the night and definitely not looking forward tomorrow. Friday is the day that Cassandra has nothing scheduled. No school, no classes, no nothing. And, because I still can't go out yet, I will have to be in the house alone tomorrow with both of them. Ahhhh! Who can come and be my company!!
Monday, September 22, 2008
6 more days
Last Friday, I finally went out for an hour! Why? I had to go see my dermatologist. I was going to wait after my sitting month, but with my rash I just couldn't wait any longer. When I was pregnant, I started to have the rash on my face. I've always have eczema problem, ever since I was a baby, but I never had it on my face. With this pregnancy, I did. I was hoping after the pregnancy, my rash will get better. Instead, it got worse. I got rash all over my body, my arms, my legs and even on my feet! This is also another reason why I couldn't stand breastfeeding anymore. Can you imagine me sitting there nursing or pumping while sweating and itching the whole time? YIKE! Today is the 4th day after seeing the doctor, I am certainly feel better. Thou, I still get itchy here and there, but it's not that bad anymore. My face definitely clear out a lot better!
My father came over on Saturday to take over from my mom. For the past 2 nights, Adrian definitely cooperate much better with my dad than with my mom. He had been sleeping great for the past 2 days with very little fuss at nights between feedings. Ha, I am sure my mom won't be too happy when she sees this!
I am in my 4th week of my sitting month now and I do feel my energy is coming back little-by-little. During pregnancy and after delivery, I would need to have my afternoon nap almost everyday. After delivery, I could simply just sit there and doze off. For the past few days, I realize I am getting more and more energetic. Because I don't sleep with Adrian at nights, I do get pretty good sleep except if I have to get up to comfort Cassandra if she has bad dreams, that if I take nap now in the afternoon, I don't feel sleepy at all until 2 or 3am! This is when I know that my energy is back!
So, yes, I broke the rule. I went out of the house. I had to go see the doctor. But, it didn't count. I was only out for an hour, and was just sitting in the car and in the doctor's office. Ahhh..6 more days, like my friend just said, I do feel I am almost a foot out of the house!!!!
My father came over on Saturday to take over from my mom. For the past 2 nights, Adrian definitely cooperate much better with my dad than with my mom. He had been sleeping great for the past 2 days with very little fuss at nights between feedings. Ha, I am sure my mom won't be too happy when she sees this!
I am in my 4th week of my sitting month now and I do feel my energy is coming back little-by-little. During pregnancy and after delivery, I would need to have my afternoon nap almost everyday. After delivery, I could simply just sit there and doze off. For the past few days, I realize I am getting more and more energetic. Because I don't sleep with Adrian at nights, I do get pretty good sleep except if I have to get up to comfort Cassandra if she has bad dreams, that if I take nap now in the afternoon, I don't feel sleepy at all until 2 or 3am! This is when I know that my energy is back!
So, yes, I broke the rule. I went out of the house. I had to go see the doctor. But, it didn't count. I was only out for an hour, and was just sitting in the car and in the doctor's office. Ahhh..6 more days, like my friend just said, I do feel I am almost a foot out of the house!!!!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
10 More Days
Another week passed since I wrote my last post. It's been 20 days already. I have 10 more days to go!!!
My mom came on Sunday with my brother, Jeff and he left that afternoon with my mother-in-law. Because I started to put Adrian on formula from that Thursday, 9/11, he had been sleeping in his room with my mother-in-law. Ever since then, I could finally sleep comfortably at nights with just to get up once to pump. On Saturday night, the night before my mom came, I stopped the need for pumping at night which made me sleep straight through the night without the need to get up and feed the baby. When mom came on Sunday, I don't know if it was because Adrian already gotten used to my mother-in-law, he didn't really sleep well on Sunday night. And, therefore, my mom didn't sleep well either. Gladly, that was the only night, after that he went back to sleep between 4 to 5 hours straight.
So far, his schedule is: first feeding at around 10am, and every 3 hours after that. If he's sleeping, I will wake him up to change him and feed him. After 1pm's feeding, I will put him in his car seat to let him sleep quietly. And, after 4pm's feeding, I just let him sit and sleep in his bounce chair in the living room with us talking and watching TV around him. After 7pm's feeding, I usually try my best to make sure he stays awake or at least half awake. And, 10pm will be his last feeding before putting him to bed. At that feeding, I will feed him in his room with dim lights and quiet sound. During the night, he will get up around 2am or 3am again to feed and again at around 6 or 7am. Usually, after the 6 or 7am feeding, he doesn't sleep right away. He probably falls asleep within an hour. I guess, normally, with a morning mother, he would probably get up by that time. But, with a late scheduled mom and sister, he's force to sleep again! hee hee....
With me, I finally weaned off my breast milk. Am I happy? Half and half. Breastfeeding really takes a lot of toll on a mother mentally and physically. I don't have to say much about the physical part. It's the mental part that really bothers me. It's very emotional. With Cassandra, when I decided to stop, I felt guilty. This time, I don't feel any guilt, I just feel I lose something. I saw how good and healthy is Cassandra, so I don't feel guilty. It's the 'loosing' feeling that I have. How do I say it? To be able to have breast milk is the prerogative of being a mom. Only a mother can have that. This may be my last child and may be my last chance of having this prerogative. One may say, 'well, you didn't even enjoy it, you hated it'. Yes, it's true. It's what comes with breast milk that I hate. It's the breastfeeding that I don't enjoy. The latching, the pumping, getting up in the middle of the night, changing nursing pads every 2 to 3 hours, wearing bra days and nights, not to mention cracked and sore nipples. Anyhow, it's over, it's done. As of last night, I don't have to wear a bra anymore. I am comfortable. I still have that 'loosing' feeling, but I know I will get over it very soon, especially after I start going out. ^_^
Oh..I know some of you reading this blog and are wondering where are my pictures. Just go to my another blog: http://tinapei.blogspot.com and click on My Photo Album on the right hand side.
My mom came on Sunday with my brother, Jeff and he left that afternoon with my mother-in-law. Because I started to put Adrian on formula from that Thursday, 9/11, he had been sleeping in his room with my mother-in-law. Ever since then, I could finally sleep comfortably at nights with just to get up once to pump. On Saturday night, the night before my mom came, I stopped the need for pumping at night which made me sleep straight through the night without the need to get up and feed the baby. When mom came on Sunday, I don't know if it was because Adrian already gotten used to my mother-in-law, he didn't really sleep well on Sunday night. And, therefore, my mom didn't sleep well either. Gladly, that was the only night, after that he went back to sleep between 4 to 5 hours straight.
So far, his schedule is: first feeding at around 10am, and every 3 hours after that. If he's sleeping, I will wake him up to change him and feed him. After 1pm's feeding, I will put him in his car seat to let him sleep quietly. And, after 4pm's feeding, I just let him sit and sleep in his bounce chair in the living room with us talking and watching TV around him. After 7pm's feeding, I usually try my best to make sure he stays awake or at least half awake. And, 10pm will be his last feeding before putting him to bed. At that feeding, I will feed him in his room with dim lights and quiet sound. During the night, he will get up around 2am or 3am again to feed and again at around 6 or 7am. Usually, after the 6 or 7am feeding, he doesn't sleep right away. He probably falls asleep within an hour. I guess, normally, with a morning mother, he would probably get up by that time. But, with a late scheduled mom and sister, he's force to sleep again! hee hee....
With me, I finally weaned off my breast milk. Am I happy? Half and half. Breastfeeding really takes a lot of toll on a mother mentally and physically. I don't have to say much about the physical part. It's the mental part that really bothers me. It's very emotional. With Cassandra, when I decided to stop, I felt guilty. This time, I don't feel any guilt, I just feel I lose something. I saw how good and healthy is Cassandra, so I don't feel guilty. It's the 'loosing' feeling that I have. How do I say it? To be able to have breast milk is the prerogative of being a mom. Only a mother can have that. This may be my last child and may be my last chance of having this prerogative. One may say, 'well, you didn't even enjoy it, you hated it'. Yes, it's true. It's what comes with breast milk that I hate. It's the breastfeeding that I don't enjoy. The latching, the pumping, getting up in the middle of the night, changing nursing pads every 2 to 3 hours, wearing bra days and nights, not to mention cracked and sore nipples. Anyhow, it's over, it's done. As of last night, I don't have to wear a bra anymore. I am comfortable. I still have that 'loosing' feeling, but I know I will get over it very soon, especially after I start going out. ^_^
Oh..I know some of you reading this blog and are wondering where are my pictures. Just go to my another blog: http://tinapei.blogspot.com and click on My Photo Album on the right hand side.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Weight
Steven took Adrian (咚咚) for his 2nd check-up today. He is now weighted 6 pounds and 3 ounces. Heeewwww...relieved. When he was born, he was 6 pounds and 3 ounces. When we left the hospital, he was down to 5 pounds and 10 ounces. When he was at the doctor's last week, he was 5 pounds and 13 ounces which I wasn't so thrill. Now, he finally weights more than his birth weight. When I had Cassandra, I wasn't so concern about her weight. But, this time, he just seemed so tiny to me!
Now, for his sleep. He had been getting up every 4 to 5 hours at night which we really wanted the 6 hours before. But, I guess I can't ask too much. He's already doing good to let us sleep 4 hours straight right?
For my weaning, I gave up the cabbage leave method. Because it doesn't soak up my leaking, I'd been getting messy on my clothes for the past couple of days. I decided to go with the Chinese herb medicine like what I did with Cassandra. I asked my Dad to get them for me and had it DHL to me overnight. I just received today and Steven will start making it tomorrow. Hope I can complete this weaning task by the time my mom comes on Sunday.
Now, for his sleep. He had been getting up every 4 to 5 hours at night which we really wanted the 6 hours before. But, I guess I can't ask too much. He's already doing good to let us sleep 4 hours straight right?
For my weaning, I gave up the cabbage leave method. Because it doesn't soak up my leaking, I'd been getting messy on my clothes for the past couple of days. I decided to go with the Chinese herb medicine like what I did with Cassandra. I asked my Dad to get them for me and had it DHL to me overnight. I just received today and Steven will start making it tomorrow. Hope I can complete this weaning task by the time my mom comes on Sunday.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Sleep
Don't know if we are lucky or what, but for the past couple of days, Adrian had been sleeping between 5 to 6 hours straight at nights!
What we did was during the day, we bring him downstairs and just stay downstairs whether he's asleep or awake. We let him wear normal clothes and don't swaddle him. The feeding right before bedtime, we would change him to a more comfortable clothes and swaddle him tightly after diaper change. And, we will feed him and put him in his Snuggle Nest, the bed that we just bought to put between me and Steven. Last night, because we sort of messed up the feeding during the day, his last feeding was around midnight. After that feeding, he went to sleep and didn't wake up until 5:30am. And, we fed him again and he slept until 10am. This is not bad at all! It's definitely better than waking up every 2 or 3 hours! Although, I still have to do that because I need to pump. But, since yesterday, I had been trying to stretch the time between my pump, so I can start wean it. I remember Cassandra started to sleep 6 to 7 hours straight at night when she was about 6-week old. Adrian is only 1-week! Hmm...let's cross my fingers and hope it's not a one or two days thing. I will definitely update on his sleep pattern in the next few days or so.
As far as me concern, I decided to quit my pumping. Yes, it's early. But, I am really hating it every minute and second of it. And, I want to wean it before Steven goes back to work next Monday. I don't want to wake up in the middle of the night to pump and then may be wake up an hour or so later to feed him since we don't want to wake him up at night time just to feed. And, may be wake up again if Cassandra calls me for bad dream or something else in the middle of the night. I know my mom will be around, but I know I will be waking up anyway. So, I am hoping that I can wean before next Monday. I will be starting to use cabbage leave today and hope that will work. I remember I used that last time with Cassandra, but my dad also had bought me some Chinese herb medicine. I don't have any ways to get that now, so I guess I will see how this cabbage leave method will work or not.
What we did was during the day, we bring him downstairs and just stay downstairs whether he's asleep or awake. We let him wear normal clothes and don't swaddle him. The feeding right before bedtime, we would change him to a more comfortable clothes and swaddle him tightly after diaper change. And, we will feed him and put him in his Snuggle Nest, the bed that we just bought to put between me and Steven. Last night, because we sort of messed up the feeding during the day, his last feeding was around midnight. After that feeding, he went to sleep and didn't wake up until 5:30am. And, we fed him again and he slept until 10am. This is not bad at all! It's definitely better than waking up every 2 or 3 hours! Although, I still have to do that because I need to pump. But, since yesterday, I had been trying to stretch the time between my pump, so I can start wean it. I remember Cassandra started to sleep 6 to 7 hours straight at night when she was about 6-week old. Adrian is only 1-week! Hmm...let's cross my fingers and hope it's not a one or two days thing. I will definitely update on his sleep pattern in the next few days or so.
As far as me concern, I decided to quit my pumping. Yes, it's early. But, I am really hating it every minute and second of it. And, I want to wean it before Steven goes back to work next Monday. I don't want to wake up in the middle of the night to pump and then may be wake up an hour or so later to feed him since we don't want to wake him up at night time just to feed. And, may be wake up again if Cassandra calls me for bad dream or something else in the middle of the night. I know my mom will be around, but I know I will be waking up anyway. So, I am hoping that I can wean before next Monday. I will be starting to use cabbage leave today and hope that will work. I remember I used that last time with Cassandra, but my dad also had bought me some Chinese herb medicine. I don't have any ways to get that now, so I guess I will see how this cabbage leave method will work or not.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
One Week
Adrian is one-week old today. For the past two nights, we realized if we have him sleep in our bed, he can actually sleep 6 hours straight! At first, I put him into the new travel bed that I got when I was pregnant from Baby Bjorn, he could sleep in it with no problems. But, whenever he cries or stirs, I have to get up to check on him. And, this makes me very uncomfortable because of my incision from the surgery. That's why we decided to just have him sleep with us on our bed. Because both Steven and I are deep sleepers, we kept afraid we will suffocate him and that makes either one of us can't sleep well. So, today, Steven went to Babies R Us and got the Premium Snuggle Nest. We are going to try that tonight and see how it works.
We were very surprised that he could sleep 6 hours straight by just less than 1 week old, and that makes me even hate pumping my breast milk. Instead of sleep with him continuously, I have to get up in the middle of the night to pump. Ahhhh! I am sorry...I just can not be that dedicated!
We were very surprised that he could sleep 6 hours straight by just less than 1 week old, and that makes me even hate pumping my breast milk. Instead of sleep with him continuously, I have to get up in the middle of the night to pump. Ahhhh! I am sorry...I just can not be that dedicated!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Crying
Adrian had been doing very well for the past few days. Starting yesterday, we started to let him differentiate between daylight and night time. And, of course, started to train him on MY schedule! ^_^ When we woke him up for 8am feeding this morning, we put him back to sleep again, and he didn't get up until 11:30am! Ha...exactly the time mommy likes to wake up! Let's see how well will that be. Cross my fingers.
Last night, I cried. I cried very hard. I think majority it was because of the hormone. But, of course there were things that triggered it. I came upstairs to take a nap after dinner. And, when I woke up around 8:30pm, I heard that Steven, his mom and Cassandra were still playing Wii Fit downstairs. I immediately got upset about that. How come he never came upstairs and checked what was I doing? (He did, I didn't know) And, then, it was the stress from breastfeeding, the debate of whether I should quit now or wait a week or two later. And, missing my mom. I felt that if it was my mom here, I wouldn't have all these stress. I cried and cried. Steven was on the phone downstairs and when my mother-in-law came up, she got scared. She thought I was in pain. She kept asking me if I was okay. I had to keep telling her to don't mind my crying. Finally, Steven came up, by my action, he automatically knew why I was upset. And, that's when he told me he did came upstairs to check on me and didn't want to wake me up. I was actually a bit surprised at how well he knew me, ha! I usually have to sit there and explain everything I did, but this time he understood it all!
I kind of feel bad for my mother-in-law. She feels she couldn't help me much which I already appreciate how much she had helped by just taking care of Cassandra for me. It's me whom I just rely more on my husband and my mom.
After I finished let out all my feeling, I said to myself and Steven that since I am a stay home mom and that I am planning to do so even after the kids go to school that I will try to stay by my kids as much as possible. I want to be wherever they need me. I am not working and even if I do in the future, it will probably be part-time. I want my obligation only towards my kids and my husband. When one day, Cassandra got married and have kids and need someone to help her to this 'Sitting Month', I want to be there for her. This "Sitting Month', the first 30-day after delivery, takes a lot of toll on the mother mentally and physically. It is the time that the mother needs her support the most, her husband, her parents, her love ones. And, I want to make sure that my daughter will have my full support when a time like this comes to her! It may be way too early to think about it now, but it's a 'mental' promise that I am making for myself to her.
Last night, I cried. I cried very hard. I think majority it was because of the hormone. But, of course there were things that triggered it. I came upstairs to take a nap after dinner. And, when I woke up around 8:30pm, I heard that Steven, his mom and Cassandra were still playing Wii Fit downstairs. I immediately got upset about that. How come he never came upstairs and checked what was I doing? (He did, I didn't know) And, then, it was the stress from breastfeeding, the debate of whether I should quit now or wait a week or two later. And, missing my mom. I felt that if it was my mom here, I wouldn't have all these stress. I cried and cried. Steven was on the phone downstairs and when my mother-in-law came up, she got scared. She thought I was in pain. She kept asking me if I was okay. I had to keep telling her to don't mind my crying. Finally, Steven came up, by my action, he automatically knew why I was upset. And, that's when he told me he did came upstairs to check on me and didn't want to wake me up. I was actually a bit surprised at how well he knew me, ha! I usually have to sit there and explain everything I did, but this time he understood it all!
I kind of feel bad for my mother-in-law. She feels she couldn't help me much which I already appreciate how much she had helped by just taking care of Cassandra for me. It's me whom I just rely more on my husband and my mom.
After I finished let out all my feeling, I said to myself and Steven that since I am a stay home mom and that I am planning to do so even after the kids go to school that I will try to stay by my kids as much as possible. I want to be wherever they need me. I am not working and even if I do in the future, it will probably be part-time. I want my obligation only towards my kids and my husband. When one day, Cassandra got married and have kids and need someone to help her to this 'Sitting Month', I want to be there for her. This "Sitting Month', the first 30-day after delivery, takes a lot of toll on the mother mentally and physically. It is the time that the mother needs her support the most, her husband, her parents, her love ones. And, I want to make sure that my daughter will have my full support when a time like this comes to her! It may be way too early to think about it now, but it's a 'mental' promise that I am making for myself to her.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Clock - Feed
It's been 2 days since we got home from the hospital with Adrian. He had been doing pretty well...just eat and sleep. It's the 3 of us, Steven, Cassandra and I are getting use to our new lives together.
Steven and I are now finally gotten use to watch the clock. We haven't done that for so long and it's been forgotten. When I was in the hospital, the nurse would ask me when did I fed him and for how long, I just couldn't answer her. I totally forgot the clock, watch the clock. Now, we finally got use to it.
I am going back to how I was with Cassandra again about breastfeeding. It was not as bad as the first time, but I still don't like it and definitely don't enjoy it. May be it's majority because of my nipples are being too big that he just don't latch on very well. Whenever he wants to latch on, instead of open his mouth wide, he would just suck it like how he would of suck it at at straw. This kills me! I finally decided to just feed him by doing pumping. It's quicker for me to pump and much quicker for him to drink. Instead of spend almost an hour, it would just take about 20 minutes. But, I still don't enjoy it. I don't like the fact that I have to get up in the middle of the night to pump and Steven has to get up too to feed. So, for one feeding, it will wake up the both of us. What happened when he has to go back to work 2 weeks later? I certainly do not look forward to me having too do them all by myself.
I talked to Steven last night to give up. I think both of us will enjoy it much more if we go 100% formula. He still feels if we fed Cassandra for a month, we should do that too to Adrian. But, is there a point? Do I feel guilty by saying and thinking all of these stuff? Sure, I do. But, I also know from my previous experience is that I will probably enjoy Adrian more if I do what I feel what's comfortable for me. Am I being selfish? I guess. But, what good will do to Adrian if I am not a happy mom? I think I will quit pumping my breast milk, but I will wait until 2 weeks later after my mother-in-law goes home. She breastfed all her 3 sons back then and she's not very thrill already by me using the pump. She feels when the mother breastfeed, there's a mother and son feeling. But, do I really care about that? Will that make my son don't want me as his mom if I am not breastfeeding, not having that close skin touch feeling? I don't think so. Cassandra is close to me just as my friend's kids close to her who breastfed her kids all year long.
Anyhow, I just have to do whatever is good for me for now. I can't wait until 2 weeks later when my mom comes. But, that's when Steven goes back to work which I am not looking forward to either. I guess you gain one thing, you have to loose one thing....
Steven and I are now finally gotten use to watch the clock. We haven't done that for so long and it's been forgotten. When I was in the hospital, the nurse would ask me when did I fed him and for how long, I just couldn't answer her. I totally forgot the clock, watch the clock. Now, we finally got use to it.
I am going back to how I was with Cassandra again about breastfeeding. It was not as bad as the first time, but I still don't like it and definitely don't enjoy it. May be it's majority because of my nipples are being too big that he just don't latch on very well. Whenever he wants to latch on, instead of open his mouth wide, he would just suck it like how he would of suck it at at straw. This kills me! I finally decided to just feed him by doing pumping. It's quicker for me to pump and much quicker for him to drink. Instead of spend almost an hour, it would just take about 20 minutes. But, I still don't enjoy it. I don't like the fact that I have to get up in the middle of the night to pump and Steven has to get up too to feed. So, for one feeding, it will wake up the both of us. What happened when he has to go back to work 2 weeks later? I certainly do not look forward to me having too do them all by myself.
I talked to Steven last night to give up. I think both of us will enjoy it much more if we go 100% formula. He still feels if we fed Cassandra for a month, we should do that too to Adrian. But, is there a point? Do I feel guilty by saying and thinking all of these stuff? Sure, I do. But, I also know from my previous experience is that I will probably enjoy Adrian more if I do what I feel what's comfortable for me. Am I being selfish? I guess. But, what good will do to Adrian if I am not a happy mom? I think I will quit pumping my breast milk, but I will wait until 2 weeks later after my mother-in-law goes home. She breastfed all her 3 sons back then and she's not very thrill already by me using the pump. She feels when the mother breastfeed, there's a mother and son feeling. But, do I really care about that? Will that make my son don't want me as his mom if I am not breastfeeding, not having that close skin touch feeling? I don't think so. Cassandra is close to me just as my friend's kids close to her who breastfed her kids all year long.
Anyhow, I just have to do whatever is good for me for now. I can't wait until 2 weeks later when my mom comes. But, that's when Steven goes back to work which I am not looking forward to either. I guess you gain one thing, you have to loose one thing....
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Adrian's Birth
I am still in the hospital now and plan to go home tomorrow. Since I don't know what's going to happen when I get home and Adrian is asleep now in his 'crib', I figure I will take the time to start updating my blog.
Yes, Adrian Min Lee (咚咚, Dong Dong) is here! Can't believe I was just complaining my soreness 2 days ago and 2 days later, my son is here!
My water broke on Thursday at 12:30am. I was just finishing took shower, washed my hair and ready to go downstairs to watch my TV with a cup of warm milk like my routine every night. Just as I was putting my clean dishes in the cabinet, my water just gushed right out. I ran to the bathroom and called out Steven. He was way sound asleep by that time, when he heard me screamed out his name, he didn't know where I was at first and fell half way down the stairs as he was rushing to me. He looked so nervous! We called the emergency number that the doctor gave us on Tuesday and was instructed to go to the hospital. We then call our cousin, Huilin, and the second we told her that my water broke, she said she's coming right away. At 1:00am, Huilin got here and we left to the hospital. Gladly, I already had my hospital bag packed and all I had to do was to throw in few stuff.
When we got to the hospital, we got a room and was settling down. The nurses came over and started to prep me. They asked me if I was having contractions, I couldn't really tell them. Last time when I was feeling the contraction, it was because I was induced by Pitocin. All I felt was a bit of pressure pain down in my abdominal area. So, we were chatting with the nurses and the resident. All of a sudden, I started to confirmed it. I knew it was the contraction. It was painful! It was starting to come every 5 minutes. At that time, I was 3 cm dilated. The resident to me since I ate something at 11:30pm, I may have to wait for 6 hours before they put the anesthesia in me. I was shocked. I didn't think I could wait that long! I was also pissed too in the middle of contraction. While squeezing Steven's hand, I yelled out, 'I am having scheduled c-section this time, why do I still have to go through this pain?!' The Anesthesia came and heard it and was smiling and said, 'well, who told you to broke the water first?' Man.....
Gladly, the Anesthesian told us that we didn't have to wait that long just have to wait for them to prep the room. At 3:15am, I was rolled into the surgery room. It was cold. I was uncontrollably shaking. The staff was extremely nice and friendly. They kept putting warm blanket on me and the spinal anesthesia wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. My legs were numb instantly and so was my contraction. Steven got called in and sat right next to me after they put up the curtain. And, the whole experience afterwards was all very new and strange to me. With Cassandra, I was so exhausted by the time I got rolled into the surgery room that I slept throughout the whole procedure. But, this time, I was wide awake! I was lying there chatting with Steven and trying to listen to what's going on behind the curtain while the Anesthesian kept updating me on what I will feel afterwards. As I start to feel the doctor kept pressing my tummy and just few seconds before the 'time', the doctor told Steven to have the camera ready and told him that it's all right for him to start standing up and taking pictures. The next thing I heard was my son crying and saw Steven shooting his camera. At that time, I didn't feel that tearful happiness, all I felt was 'relieved'. All the worries I had since I found out I was pregnant was immediately gone. When I saw Steven smiling with the camera and heard his crying, although, I couldn't see him, I knew he was certainly a healthy boy! I was relieved...totally relieved...it was like a thousand pounds just lift out of my shoulders. When the doctor brought him over to us, I just kept smiling and was then pray for a nice and smooth stitching afterwards. ^_^
While I was getting stitched up, Steven followed the nurse to the nursery room to take more photos. I then met him in my room and was told he was 6 lbs and 3 oz, and 18 inches long. He was exactly one pound less than when Cassandra was born! When they took him to our room, he was just so tiny and I couldn't wait until daylight when Cassandra meets her baby brother!
Yes, Adrian Min Lee (咚咚, Dong Dong) is here! Can't believe I was just complaining my soreness 2 days ago and 2 days later, my son is here!
My water broke on Thursday at 12:30am. I was just finishing took shower, washed my hair and ready to go downstairs to watch my TV with a cup of warm milk like my routine every night. Just as I was putting my clean dishes in the cabinet, my water just gushed right out. I ran to the bathroom and called out Steven. He was way sound asleep by that time, when he heard me screamed out his name, he didn't know where I was at first and fell half way down the stairs as he was rushing to me. He looked so nervous! We called the emergency number that the doctor gave us on Tuesday and was instructed to go to the hospital. We then call our cousin, Huilin, and the second we told her that my water broke, she said she's coming right away. At 1:00am, Huilin got here and we left to the hospital. Gladly, I already had my hospital bag packed and all I had to do was to throw in few stuff.
When we got to the hospital, we got a room and was settling down. The nurses came over and started to prep me. They asked me if I was having contractions, I couldn't really tell them. Last time when I was feeling the contraction, it was because I was induced by Pitocin. All I felt was a bit of pressure pain down in my abdominal area. So, we were chatting with the nurses and the resident. All of a sudden, I started to confirmed it. I knew it was the contraction. It was painful! It was starting to come every 5 minutes. At that time, I was 3 cm dilated. The resident to me since I ate something at 11:30pm, I may have to wait for 6 hours before they put the anesthesia in me. I was shocked. I didn't think I could wait that long! I was also pissed too in the middle of contraction. While squeezing Steven's hand, I yelled out, 'I am having scheduled c-section this time, why do I still have to go through this pain?!' The Anesthesia came and heard it and was smiling and said, 'well, who told you to broke the water first?' Man.....
Gladly, the Anesthesian told us that we didn't have to wait that long just have to wait for them to prep the room. At 3:15am, I was rolled into the surgery room. It was cold. I was uncontrollably shaking. The staff was extremely nice and friendly. They kept putting warm blanket on me and the spinal anesthesia wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. My legs were numb instantly and so was my contraction. Steven got called in and sat right next to me after they put up the curtain. And, the whole experience afterwards was all very new and strange to me. With Cassandra, I was so exhausted by the time I got rolled into the surgery room that I slept throughout the whole procedure. But, this time, I was wide awake! I was lying there chatting with Steven and trying to listen to what's going on behind the curtain while the Anesthesian kept updating me on what I will feel afterwards. As I start to feel the doctor kept pressing my tummy and just few seconds before the 'time', the doctor told Steven to have the camera ready and told him that it's all right for him to start standing up and taking pictures. The next thing I heard was my son crying and saw Steven shooting his camera. At that time, I didn't feel that tearful happiness, all I felt was 'relieved'. All the worries I had since I found out I was pregnant was immediately gone. When I saw Steven smiling with the camera and heard his crying, although, I couldn't see him, I knew he was certainly a healthy boy! I was relieved...totally relieved...it was like a thousand pounds just lift out of my shoulders. When the doctor brought him over to us, I just kept smiling and was then pray for a nice and smooth stitching afterwards. ^_^
While I was getting stitched up, Steven followed the nurse to the nursery room to take more photos. I then met him in my room and was told he was 6 lbs and 3 oz, and 18 inches long. He was exactly one pound less than when Cassandra was born! When they took him to our room, he was just so tiny and I couldn't wait until daylight when Cassandra meets her baby brother!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sore
Got up this morning, felt my waist was very sored. I got nervous and was afraid that the baby will really come early! I didn't want to get up from my bed, I was sored!
Good that after couple of hours, I started to feel better. I went to my cousin's for lunch, went to Wegman's and Target. Although, I did feel pressured in the bottom of my tummy, the soreness form the morning was gone.
When I saw Dr. Linn today for my pre-natal check up. He said I am not dilated yet, heeewww. It's just the baby's head is lower than usual and that's why I felt the soreness and pressured pain.
I am really praying he will wait until the scheduled day! 9/11!
Good that after couple of hours, I started to feel better. I went to my cousin's for lunch, went to Wegman's and Target. Although, I did feel pressured in the bottom of my tummy, the soreness form the morning was gone.
When I saw Dr. Linn today for my pre-natal check up. He said I am not dilated yet, heeewww. It's just the baby's head is lower than usual and that's why I felt the soreness and pressured pain.
I am really praying he will wait until the scheduled day! 9/11!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
C-Section Re-scheduled
After meeting my doctor, Dr. Hanes, this Tuesday, he was willing to work with me around his schedule to try to perform my surgery.
It's not that I don't trust Dr. Linn, it's because I had been seeing Dr. Hanes from the beginning and he knows about all my medical history better than Dr. Linn.
And, the next day, Wednesday, the head nurse called and said Dr. Hanes can do it for me on 9/11 at 1pm. She said that's the only day that he's available. I am not sure my baby will wait that long since my due date is 9/13. But, I felt much better now about the office that at least they are willing to work with me. If the baby comes between 9/5 and 9/11, I would feel it's he whose ready to come out, not us forcing him to come on 9/5.
So, I am happy now. ^_^ Just that I don't feel I am in control with the delivery date. But then again, having a baby should be out of my control anyway, right?
It's not that I don't trust Dr. Linn, it's because I had been seeing Dr. Hanes from the beginning and he knows about all my medical history better than Dr. Linn.
And, the next day, Wednesday, the head nurse called and said Dr. Hanes can do it for me on 9/11 at 1pm. She said that's the only day that he's available. I am not sure my baby will wait that long since my due date is 9/13. But, I felt much better now about the office that at least they are willing to work with me. If the baby comes between 9/5 and 9/11, I would feel it's he whose ready to come out, not us forcing him to come on 9/5.
So, I am happy now. ^_^ Just that I don't feel I am in control with the delivery date. But then again, having a baby should be out of my control anyway, right?
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Three and a half weeks left!
3 1/2 weeks. Just 3 1/2 weeks left before the baby comes! The time really flies. Now, I am just praying he will come as scheduled. We have way too much stuff to do before 9/5!
I can't wait thou...it's not only getting heavy, my back, shoulder, neck start to bothering me everyday. Luckily, I have Mr. Lee to massage for me every evening. Does he complaint? Of course, he does. But, he also knows that I am suffering too and it will all be over very soon!
I can't wait thou...it's not only getting heavy, my back, shoulder, neck start to bothering me everyday. Luckily, I have Mr. Lee to massage for me every evening. Does he complaint? Of course, he does. But, he also knows that I am suffering too and it will all be over very soon!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Guilty
It is the end of my 35-week pregnancy. The tummy is getting heavier and heavier. I am starting to go back to my afternoon nap schedule again.
Because of my pregnancy, I feel kind of guilty towards my daughter, Cassandra. This Spring and Summer we really didn't do much activities outside. I just don't feel the energy. And, because everytime I get under the sun, my face gets itchy and so we stay indoor most of the time. Last year, I remembered we were out playing in our driveway a lot. She would bike, playing with the slide, having fun in the kiddie pool and I used our patio furniture a lot too. This year, we didn't even take out the slide and the kiddie pool at all!
Every morning, we would get up around 10 or 11am. If Cassandra got up early that morning, let's say 8:30 or 9am, she would just either hang around in my room or playing in her room to wait for me to get up. And, by the time we get downstairs, it's usually after 11am. We will then have breakfast at that time, and have late lunch. And, in the afternoon, around 3 or 4pm, I would feel the need to take a nap. She will then playing in her room again while I nap in my room for an hour or two. And, by the time I get up, Steven is usually ready to come home. We will then have dinner together, and she will go down in the basement to be with Steven while he's busy with his basement project. At around 9:30 or 10pm, Steven will give her a shower and I will put her to bed. That's pretty much what she does everyday since the summer started. Not to mention of my pregnant mood that she just get yell by me for doing little wrong things or yell by Steven because he gets exhausted when he does his project!
One day, when we were on I-78, she turned around and told me, "Mommy, I haven't gone to Dorney Park for a long time!" Yes, it's true, we didn't even go to Dorney this year at all, and it's only few minutes away from us! I get so tired up with my pregnancy, Steven gets so hook up with his basement project. Poor Cassandra, all summer long, she's just following her mommy and daddy around! I am just glad that I tak her to her swimming lesson 3 days a week for the month of July and we had had guests over on the weekends that she at least still had kids to play with here and there.
Next summer, we will have to make it up to her. We are just too blessed to have such a good and cooperating daughter! She just plays by herself, singing, dancing, talking and chatting with her imaginery friends all the time!
Update on pre-natal visit, I went for one 2 weeks ago and another one this Tuesday, I didn't even gain one pound! This is a surprise consider how much weight I gained int he last few weeks when I had Cassandra!
Because of my pregnancy, I feel kind of guilty towards my daughter, Cassandra. This Spring and Summer we really didn't do much activities outside. I just don't feel the energy. And, because everytime I get under the sun, my face gets itchy and so we stay indoor most of the time. Last year, I remembered we were out playing in our driveway a lot. She would bike, playing with the slide, having fun in the kiddie pool and I used our patio furniture a lot too. This year, we didn't even take out the slide and the kiddie pool at all!
Every morning, we would get up around 10 or 11am. If Cassandra got up early that morning, let's say 8:30 or 9am, she would just either hang around in my room or playing in her room to wait for me to get up. And, by the time we get downstairs, it's usually after 11am. We will then have breakfast at that time, and have late lunch. And, in the afternoon, around 3 or 4pm, I would feel the need to take a nap. She will then playing in her room again while I nap in my room for an hour or two. And, by the time I get up, Steven is usually ready to come home. We will then have dinner together, and she will go down in the basement to be with Steven while he's busy with his basement project. At around 9:30 or 10pm, Steven will give her a shower and I will put her to bed. That's pretty much what she does everyday since the summer started. Not to mention of my pregnant mood that she just get yell by me for doing little wrong things or yell by Steven because he gets exhausted when he does his project!
One day, when we were on I-78, she turned around and told me, "Mommy, I haven't gone to Dorney Park for a long time!" Yes, it's true, we didn't even go to Dorney this year at all, and it's only few minutes away from us! I get so tired up with my pregnancy, Steven gets so hook up with his basement project. Poor Cassandra, all summer long, she's just following her mommy and daddy around! I am just glad that I tak her to her swimming lesson 3 days a week for the month of July and we had had guests over on the weekends that she at least still had kids to play with here and there.
Next summer, we will have to make it up to her. We are just too blessed to have such a good and cooperating daughter! She just plays by herself, singing, dancing, talking and chatting with her imaginery friends all the time!
Update on pre-natal visit, I went for one 2 weeks ago and another one this Tuesday, I didn't even gain one pound! This is a surprise consider how much weight I gained int he last few weeks when I had Cassandra!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
C-Section Scheduled
Just went for my first 2-week pre-natal check up yesterday and had finally scheduled my surgery date.
It will be on 9/5, at 7am! This means we will have to arrive at the hospital no later than 5:30am! Ha..for those of you who know me...this means, no sleep that night for me! So, I will have the baby at 7am, and just spend the whole day sleeping! Hee hee....
This only thing that disappointed me was I couldn't schedule it with Dr. Hanes, the doctor whom I always seeing. Dr. Linn will do my operation instead. The nurse first scheduled Dr. Freedman for me on 9/4, but because of my first experience with female doctor, I begged her to find another date for me.
I hope this time it will be a better birthing experience than when I had Cassandra!
It will be on 9/5, at 7am! This means we will have to arrive at the hospital no later than 5:30am! Ha..for those of you who know me...this means, no sleep that night for me! So, I will have the baby at 7am, and just spend the whole day sleeping! Hee hee....
This only thing that disappointed me was I couldn't schedule it with Dr. Hanes, the doctor whom I always seeing. Dr. Linn will do my operation instead. The nurse first scheduled Dr. Freedman for me on 9/4, but because of my first experience with female doctor, I begged her to find another date for me.
I hope this time it will be a better birthing experience than when I had Cassandra!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Last Trimester
I am in my last trimester now, 8 more weeks to go. The agony is starting. Stomach is getting heavier, and hard to fall asleep at night now. Before, it was because of the allergy that I couldn't sleep well. Now, it's actual pregnancy. The baby moves all the time and hard to find one comfortable position to fall asleep. And, if I found one, I get sored by sleep in the same position all night. Sigh.....
After taking Cassandra to her Siblings Class, I really can't wait to meet him. Thou, I do like him to stay in me until the last minute. I found that delivering a baby full term really has a lot of health benefit than if he comes early.
And, I also started to feel the boredom. I think it's because I am in the last trimester. I did the trip for my mom's birthday. I finished the big party gathering for the 4th of July. And, now I just feel I am waiting everyday to pass. In order to kill that boredom, I'd been trying my best to plan my every weekend. Try to see if friends or family want to come and visit us. I guess this is just to try to kill my time and get my mind off from the pregnancy.
I am very blessed to have a daughter like Cassandra. Because of being in the last trimester, I start to feel tiring again. I started to go back to the afternoon nap routine, and she has been so good. She did complaint that when mommy goes to nap, she doesn't know what to do. But, she's still so cooperating when I insist that I need to sleep. One day, after waking up from almost 2-hour nap, I didn't hear a sound of her. And, when I went to her room, this is what I found:
She put her three favorite 'babies' in a her favorite blanket, and went to her bed and did the samething. 走進房間看到這個, 感覺好貼心.
After taking Cassandra to her Siblings Class, I really can't wait to meet him. Thou, I do like him to stay in me until the last minute. I found that delivering a baby full term really has a lot of health benefit than if he comes early.
And, I also started to feel the boredom. I think it's because I am in the last trimester. I did the trip for my mom's birthday. I finished the big party gathering for the 4th of July. And, now I just feel I am waiting everyday to pass. In order to kill that boredom, I'd been trying my best to plan my every weekend. Try to see if friends or family want to come and visit us. I guess this is just to try to kill my time and get my mind off from the pregnancy.
I am very blessed to have a daughter like Cassandra. Because of being in the last trimester, I start to feel tiring again. I started to go back to the afternoon nap routine, and she has been so good. She did complaint that when mommy goes to nap, she doesn't know what to do. But, she's still so cooperating when I insist that I need to sleep. One day, after waking up from almost 2-hour nap, I didn't hear a sound of her. And, when I went to her room, this is what I found:
She put her three favorite 'babies' in a her favorite blanket, and went to her bed and did the samething. 走進房間看到這個, 感覺好貼心.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Baby Registry
Just did a baby registry through Buy Buy Baby.
Why did I create one? Well, for couple reasons...
Why did I create one? Well, for couple reasons...
- It is mainly for my own record. I am now waiting for Buy Buy Baby coupons to come in the mail, so the next time I go to NJ, I can stop by the store in Paramus to shop!
- 2. Since all of my dear relatives and friends know how picky I am that if any of them wants to get us something for the baby, this will save them some headache. So, 來者不拒啊! 哈哈!
Since I am not having a baby shower, well, I don't think I will have one, if any of you is interested of getting items from my baby registry, please let me know ahead of time. You can either leave a comment here or just shoot me an email. ^_^
http://www.buybuybaby.com/regGiftRegistry.asp?order_num=-1&wrn=%2D1287432842&
Hmmm..one more thing is done from my list!
**Update:
Just registered through Babies R Us as well for the purpose of future coupons! Haha....
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Cord Blood Banking
I am in my 25th pregnancy now and it's time to start get things ready for the baby to come in September.
First thing I needed to do was to try to find out the information on cord blood banking, 臍帶血. I finally got the chance to call on Friday. I was going to do it for Cassandra 4 years ago, but after the cord blood went to the lab after delivery, it was found that there was not enough blood drawn, meaning, not enough stem cells. And, therefore, we had to cancel everything. I want to try it again this time and hopefully I will be able to bank his cord blood.
After 40 minutes phone conversation with the sales, I signed up. Because I am considered as repeated customer, I got $400 discount, which came out to be $1,750 for courier fees, processing fees and the first year storage. And, every year afterwards is $125 for yearly storage and the price is guaranteed for the next 18 years. The sales was super nice over the phone, and we will receive our kit by next week. I did it with Cord Blood Registry and if anyone is interested, please mention my name as your referral..hee hee...I get one year storage for free. ^_^
So, one thing is done from my list!
First thing I needed to do was to try to find out the information on cord blood banking, 臍帶血. I finally got the chance to call on Friday. I was going to do it for Cassandra 4 years ago, but after the cord blood went to the lab after delivery, it was found that there was not enough blood drawn, meaning, not enough stem cells. And, therefore, we had to cancel everything. I want to try it again this time and hopefully I will be able to bank his cord blood.
After 40 minutes phone conversation with the sales, I signed up. Because I am considered as repeated customer, I got $400 discount, which came out to be $1,750 for courier fees, processing fees and the first year storage. And, every year afterwards is $125 for yearly storage and the price is guaranteed for the next 18 years. The sales was super nice over the phone, and we will receive our kit by next week. I did it with Cord Blood Registry and if anyone is interested, please mention my name as your referral..hee hee...I get one year storage for free. ^_^
So, one thing is done from my list!
Monday, May 12, 2008
It's a BOY!
After procrastinating the whole week, Steven finally fixed our scanner and I finally have time to sit down to update our latest news.
I had my Level II Ultrasoud last Monday, 5/5 and Steven took a day off to go for the appointment with me.
We were there for a good 30 to 40 minutes which we were very surprised. When I was pregnant with Cassandra in New Jersey, the doctor only took about 10 to 15 minutes. He was checking what he needed to check to make sure it was a healthy baby and told us that it was a girl and that was it. This time, the lady took her time and explained to us the parts of our baby as we saw on the monitor. She even took the time to stop at certain point to let us see our baby's move. And, finally, she told us that it was a BOY!!
I don't know if it was the announcement that made us both in tears or it was to see how he moved in my tummy. Up until then, I was still very worried because I still haven't felt the baby moved at all, and of course, I got Steven very worried too. When I saw the baby moved in my tummy, I was so relieved. It was so touching to see what he was doing on the monitor. He was literally boxing with his fist! It was until then that I felt everything was real. I still couldn't believe how lucky I am that I am actually pregnancy 'naturally'! This was all too emotional for me.
Afterwards, both the lady and the doctor confirmed that based on the ultrasound, he's a very healthy baby and the reason that I still haven't feel his move is because my placenta is a bit thick that there's a big 'pillow' between him and my tummy. We were relieved. We were happy. We can't believe how lucky we are and we can't wait to meet him face-to face!
(Beanie sucking his thumb)
(Beanie practing boxing)
(Beanie kissing mommy's placenta)
I had my Level II Ultrasoud last Monday, 5/5 and Steven took a day off to go for the appointment with me.
We were there for a good 30 to 40 minutes which we were very surprised. When I was pregnant with Cassandra in New Jersey, the doctor only took about 10 to 15 minutes. He was checking what he needed to check to make sure it was a healthy baby and told us that it was a girl and that was it. This time, the lady took her time and explained to us the parts of our baby as we saw on the monitor. She even took the time to stop at certain point to let us see our baby's move. And, finally, she told us that it was a BOY!!
I don't know if it was the announcement that made us both in tears or it was to see how he moved in my tummy. Up until then, I was still very worried because I still haven't felt the baby moved at all, and of course, I got Steven very worried too. When I saw the baby moved in my tummy, I was so relieved. It was so touching to see what he was doing on the monitor. He was literally boxing with his fist! It was until then that I felt everything was real. I still couldn't believe how lucky I am that I am actually pregnancy 'naturally'! This was all too emotional for me.
Afterwards, both the lady and the doctor confirmed that based on the ultrasound, he's a very healthy baby and the reason that I still haven't feel his move is because my placenta is a bit thick that there's a big 'pillow' between him and my tummy. We were relieved. We were happy. We can't believe how lucky we are and we can't wait to meet him face-to face!
(Beanie sucking his thumb)
(Beanie practing boxing)
(Beanie kissing mommy's placenta)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Level II Ultrasound
Just made my Level II Ultrasound appointment. It will be on 5/5, Monday at 11am. Hopefully, the baby will cooperate that day that we will be able to tell if it's a boy or girl. Personally, I really don't care the sex of the baby, but it seems like everyone around me all want to know! All I want is this baby to be safe and healthy in my tummy. A healthy baby with no problems is all I really care!
As far as how I have been...same old, same old..
ALLERGY, ALLERGY, ALLERGY....
Congested nose, itchy eyes, itchy ears....now plus coughing and eczema!!!!
I now carry a sandwich bag with all the goodies in my bag at all times: Zicam (for nose), eye drops, ear drops, saline spray, saline gel, Tylenol, Tums....oh man..you name it! When I took it out today at my prenatal check-up to try to ask the doctors on what's really safe for me, she laughed at how much 'medicine' that I carry! I can't help it. I can't live without them anymore!!!!!!
As far as how I have been...same old, same old..
ALLERGY, ALLERGY, ALLERGY....
Congested nose, itchy eyes, itchy ears....now plus coughing and eczema!!!!
I now carry a sandwich bag with all the goodies in my bag at all times: Zicam (for nose), eye drops, ear drops, saline spray, saline gel, Tylenol, Tums....oh man..you name it! When I took it out today at my prenatal check-up to try to ask the doctors on what's really safe for me, she laughed at how much 'medicine' that I carry! I can't help it. I can't live without them anymore!!!!!!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Recent Battle
Want to know what I have been dealing with lately for my lovely pregnancy?
My stuffy nose and my itchy eyes!!
I am battling with it everyday, every night!
When's it gonna be over!!!!!!
My stuffy nose and my itchy eyes!!
I am battling with it everyday, every night!
When's it gonna be over!!!!!!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Allergy Again!
I can't believe all the allergy symptoms are back again!
Eyes itch all the time. Nose clogged especially at night times. Because of the lack of sleep at night, I am constantly tire in the morning.
When are all these gonna stop? I can't take it anymore! Let me have some normal life before the 2nd baby pops out!
Eyes itch all the time. Nose clogged especially at night times. Because of the lack of sleep at night, I am constantly tire in the morning.
When are all these gonna stop? I can't take it anymore! Let me have some normal life before the 2nd baby pops out!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Heartburn
Finally, after Saturday's trip, I finally know what a heartburn is!!
Yes, I've had heartburn before. It's usually when I hang out with friends...eating, talking, laughing, sometime, singing (at KTV)...all that usually gave me a very bad pain in my chest. But, I never knew that's called heartburn. Ha!
After attending the banquet on Saturday, my chest was killing me! I couldn't wait to get to my mom's house. On the way there, I asked Steven to stop by a pharmacy to get me TUMS. I never had it before. I got Zantac at home, but never tried TUMS. Since Jill told me it helped her a lot back then, I thought to give it a try. Wow! After the 2nd tablet, I immediately felt the pain was gone. GONE! That's when I know...ah ha...that's heartburn!
Hee hee....hee heee....hee hee.....
Well, now that I know...yes, friends, I got heartburn all the time during my first pregnancy and now the 2nd one too and even earlier!!!
Yes, I've had heartburn before. It's usually when I hang out with friends...eating, talking, laughing, sometime, singing (at KTV)...all that usually gave me a very bad pain in my chest. But, I never knew that's called heartburn. Ha!
After attending the banquet on Saturday, my chest was killing me! I couldn't wait to get to my mom's house. On the way there, I asked Steven to stop by a pharmacy to get me TUMS. I never had it before. I got Zantac at home, but never tried TUMS. Since Jill told me it helped her a lot back then, I thought to give it a try. Wow! After the 2nd tablet, I immediately felt the pain was gone. GONE! That's when I know...ah ha...that's heartburn!
Hee hee....hee heee....hee hee.....
Well, now that I know...yes, friends, I got heartburn all the time during my first pregnancy and now the 2nd one too and even earlier!!!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Prenatal Visit I
We went for my first prenatal visit with Dr. Hanes. He didn't use the heart monitor this time because it's still a bit early, 10 weeks. I did the Papsmear test and went over some questions and concern with him.
It seems like I will still have c-section this time. I was going to have a VBAC, vaginal birth after c-setion, but the doctor said there are less and less moms opt to do that now due to the risk involve.
The due date is on 9/13/2008, the doctor said he usually schedule a week before for c-section. But, that's our anniversary, 9/7/2008! We will have to see about that. Hee hee....
It seems like I will still have c-section this time. I was going to have a VBAC, vaginal birth after c-setion, but the doctor said there are less and less moms opt to do that now due to the risk involve.
The due date is on 9/13/2008, the doctor said he usually schedule a week before for c-section. But, that's our anniversary, 9/7/2008! We will have to see about that. Hee hee....
Food!!
My allergy is finally getting better! I can't express how graceful I am!
My only thing now is food, especially for dinner. For a food lover like me, this is a torture. I can only eat certain kind of food at a certain time or day. Steven can't cook at home anymore. I tried it when mom was visiting 2 weekends ago since I haven't had her home cook meal for so long. I almost puked when she was cooking! What's really bothering me is there are not that much choices around here when eat out. It's mostly American food, of course. If I want something special, like Indian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, etc., I will have to drive some kind of distance in order to get them. I think this is the only time I miss of living in New Jersey!
My only thing now is food, especially for dinner. For a food lover like me, this is a torture. I can only eat certain kind of food at a certain time or day. Steven can't cook at home anymore. I tried it when mom was visiting 2 weekends ago since I haven't had her home cook meal for so long. I almost puked when she was cooking! What's really bothering me is there are not that much choices around here when eat out. It's mostly American food, of course. If I want something special, like Indian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, etc., I will have to drive some kind of distance in order to get them. I think this is the only time I miss of living in New Jersey!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
鼻塞快受不了了!
我的天啊! 我的鼻塞快受不了了! 晚上也沒辦法睡. 一個晚上睡睡醒醒. 一整天擤鼻涕擤到鼻子快被我擤掉了! 最慘的事又不敢吃藥. 昨天晚上沒辦法到了凌晨5點下樓拿Zicam噴鼻子. 不管了.
今天晚上叫Steven幫我去藥房買了saline nose spray. 又叫他幫我把air purifier打開放在我旁邊. 希望有用. 天啊, 我只想要睡一個好覺啊!
今天晚上叫Steven幫我去藥房買了saline nose spray. 又叫他幫我把air purifier打開放在我旁邊. 希望有用. 天啊, 我只想要睡一個好覺啊!
First Ultrasound
Finally, I got my first ultrasound yesterday! It was very good. The baby is still very small. Both Cassandra and I heard the baby's heartbeat! The nurse practioner checked my ovary and confirmed that the 2cm cyst that was there before is now gone. She has no idea why, but normally the pregnancy helps it.
I mentioned to her about the spotting. She said unfortunately it's very common in the first trimester and she did see some blood clog, but it's nothing to worry about.
I was very relieved. Dr. Schillings is now releasing my records over to my OB/GYN and I will be having my first visit next Tuesday which is an ultrasound exam and Steven took a day off that day as well.
I mentioned to her about the spotting. She said unfortunately it's very common in the first trimester and she did see some blood clog, but it's nothing to worry about.
I was very relieved. Dr. Schillings is now releasing my records over to my OB/GYN and I will be having my first visit next Tuesday which is an ultrasound exam and Steven took a day off that day as well.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Can't wait for the ultrasound
Hmmm....I STILL have some spotting today, very pinkish thou, but it's still pretty scary. My mom went to the fortune teller for me yesterday in Taiwan and he did said that I should becareful the month of January, this month and the month of May.
May be I should try to call Dr. Schillings' office tomorrow to see if they are open and see if they are willing to let me have the ultrasound tomorrow instead of waiting until Tuesday.
May be I should try to call Dr. Schillings' office tomorrow to see if they are open and see if they are willing to let me have the ultrasound tomorrow instead of waiting until Tuesday.
Spotting
From Friday night to Saturday night, I realized I have some spotting. On Friday night, I was just alert a bit, but didn't think twice about it. On Saturday night, while having dinner with Terry and Joanna in New York, I realized the spotting again. It then occured to me that there may be something wrong. When we got to Terry's apartment, I decided to call Dr. Hanes' office. When the doctor-on-duty called me back, I told him that I am in my 7th week and I realized I have some spotting and if it was normal. The doctor replied that it was definitely not normal, but if it's not having bleeding, I don't have to do anything. I just need to relax, rest and don't lift any heavy stuff. After I hung up the phone, I started to get really worried. I sat in the couch the remaining of the night while drinking hot water and chatting with Terry, Joanna, Tony and Jasmine. Until about 1am, we decided to start driving back home. By the time I got home and took shower, I realized the spotting stopped. Heeewwwww.....
Me and Steven were saying it was probably due to the snow shoveling on Thursday night. Because I had a very full dinner that when we got home, I didn't even give a second thought that I just walked over to pick up the shovel and started shovelling. It wasn't until I was halfway through that I just remembered I am pregnant! Ha! The snow was very loose that night that it was actually very easy to shovel and that's probably why I didn't give it a second thought! I guess I have to be very careful from now on. 年紀還是有關係的!
Me and Steven were saying it was probably due to the snow shoveling on Thursday night. Because I had a very full dinner that when we got home, I didn't even give a second thought that I just walked over to pick up the shovel and started shovelling. It wasn't until I was halfway through that I just remembered I am pregnant! Ha! The snow was very loose that night that it was actually very easy to shovel and that's probably why I didn't give it a second thought! I guess I have to be very careful from now on. 年紀還是有關係的!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Allergy?
Allergy season already? In January? Or is it really because of my pregnancy?
Last night, I had to get up at 2am to wash my hair! From the time I went to bed, my head was itchy, my eyes were itchy, inside and outside of my ears were itchy. I couldn't breathe. My nose were stuck. I was a total mess! After I cleaned up more, I felt a bit better. But, recently, I'd been sweating so much at night that it's driving me crazy.
This morning after I got downstairs, my eyes started to itch again. My eyes were so red and swollen by all the rubbing. It was so annoy. I kept having running nose too! My gosh! All allergy symptoms.
The past Saturday, my whole body was killing me. I had muscle ache and kept getting chills, head to toe. I slept almost the whole day!
I am feeling very sick. I don't remember I was like this when I was pregnant with Cassandra. May be the 'age' really does it........
Last night, I had to get up at 2am to wash my hair! From the time I went to bed, my head was itchy, my eyes were itchy, inside and outside of my ears were itchy. I couldn't breathe. My nose were stuck. I was a total mess! After I cleaned up more, I felt a bit better. But, recently, I'd been sweating so much at night that it's driving me crazy.
This morning after I got downstairs, my eyes started to itch again. My eyes were so red and swollen by all the rubbing. It was so annoy. I kept having running nose too! My gosh! All allergy symptoms.
The past Saturday, my whole body was killing me. I had muscle ache and kept getting chills, head to toe. I slept almost the whole day!
I am feeling very sick. I don't remember I was like this when I was pregnant with Cassandra. May be the 'age' really does it........
Last blood test in the series
Finally, the nurse called me back. The HCG level for my last blood test result that I took on Monday was 4968. Yay! It's looking good.
I just made my ultrasound appointment with her at Dr. Schillings office on January 22, 2008 at 12 noon.
Hoooo...so nervous and excited....
I just made my ultrasound appointment with her at Dr. Schillings office on January 22, 2008 at 12 noon.
Hoooo...so nervous and excited....
Blood tests
For those friends and families who know me very well, they probably all guessed I will send out the email right away to tell EVERYONE. Not this time, I am very hesitate. Steven kept pushing me to send out the email, but I was afraid. He did make a good point thou, I had endometriosis too when I was pregnant with Cassandra. I wasn't this nervous then because lack of the knowledge. Oh well, with all the miscarriage stories that happend around me and that I heard, I couldn't help to get nervous about it.
On Monday, 1/7, I started calling my OB/GYN, Dr. David Hanes and made my first appointment on 1/29. 1/29!! That's more than 3 weeks away! I called my infertility doctor and the nurse told me they will do three blood tests monitoring first and have an ultrasound after that before Dr. Schillings release my record to my OB/GYN. I felt that way is better. At least with all these blood tests, it can keep my sanity for the next few weeks.
Dr. Wang, the doctor whom I saw in Flushing called me on Monday and told me my HCG leve is 105.6 which confirmed that I am definitely pregnant.
On 1/8, after the blood test, my HCG level went up to 338.
On 1/11, HCG level is 1397.
I, now, can't wait to see my HCG level after Monday's blood test.
On the website, it said the HCG leve should double or triple after 2 to 3 days and after 3000, it should look like a normal pregnancy. I am still crossing my fingers and praying everyday.
On Monday, 1/7, I started calling my OB/GYN, Dr. David Hanes and made my first appointment on 1/29. 1/29!! That's more than 3 weeks away! I called my infertility doctor and the nurse told me they will do three blood tests monitoring first and have an ultrasound after that before Dr. Schillings release my record to my OB/GYN. I felt that way is better. At least with all these blood tests, it can keep my sanity for the next few weeks.
Dr. Wang, the doctor whom I saw in Flushing called me on Monday and told me my HCG leve is 105.6 which confirmed that I am definitely pregnant.
On 1/8, after the blood test, my HCG level went up to 338.
On 1/11, HCG level is 1397.
I, now, can't wait to see my HCG level after Monday's blood test.
On the website, it said the HCG leve should double or triple after 2 to 3 days and after 3000, it should look like a normal pregnancy. I am still crossing my fingers and praying everyday.
I am pregnant!
After telling all our immediate family members about my pregnancy. I couldn't wait to start telling our friends. But, this time, I am a little taken back. I don't know if it was because I didn't see anything on the ultrasound monitor or if it was because I know more about my problems. I am more nervous this time. Where ever I read, it stated that women who have endometriosis problems are likely to get ectopic pregnancy (embryo not in the uterus, but elsewhere). I also kept thinking that I can't be this lucky. I am already lucky once, will I get my luck again the 2nd time?
Whatever it was, I still couldn't hold back my excitement. On Sunday morning, we all got up and got dressed and ready to go to the church. This is one day that I had to go to the church. I had to thank Jesus for listening to my prayers. Before I left the house, I called Cristina to tell her the news. I could tell she was just excited and happy as I was! She just had her knee surgery two days ago and I knew she was still in recovery. With what both her and I went through this past year, I needed to tell her before I tell anyone else.
When we were at the church singing the Glory, I cried. I literarlly cried. I look at Jesus on the cross and I just couldn't help myself! After the mass, I saw the Chaves. We didn't see each other since before the holidays. I hugged Neysa and told her the news. She screamed and hugged me so tight that I was so touched, I cried again! After we came out of the church, we stopped by Tiffany's house before going to lunch. We told them, Beanie Lee is coming again. Of course, they were not as dramatic as Cristina and Neysa, but I could tell they were very very happy for us too! After lunch, we decided to call Steven's cousin, Huilin. When she finally picked up the phone and I told her the news, she was literally screamed over the phone. She was telling me how excited she was and asked me immediately what I feel likt to eat for lunch the next day! On Monday, when I told the news to Jill at her house, I could also see that she was almost in tears too! Jill had supported me all the way from when we first met. Am I so lucky? I would never imagine that I will have all these great and supportive friends and family after we move here to PA!
Whatever it was, I still couldn't hold back my excitement. On Sunday morning, we all got up and got dressed and ready to go to the church. This is one day that I had to go to the church. I had to thank Jesus for listening to my prayers. Before I left the house, I called Cristina to tell her the news. I could tell she was just excited and happy as I was! She just had her knee surgery two days ago and I knew she was still in recovery. With what both her and I went through this past year, I needed to tell her before I tell anyone else.
When we were at the church singing the Glory, I cried. I literarlly cried. I look at Jesus on the cross and I just couldn't help myself! After the mass, I saw the Chaves. We didn't see each other since before the holidays. I hugged Neysa and told her the news. She screamed and hugged me so tight that I was so touched, I cried again! After we came out of the church, we stopped by Tiffany's house before going to lunch. We told them, Beanie Lee is coming again. Of course, they were not as dramatic as Cristina and Neysa, but I could tell they were very very happy for us too! After lunch, we decided to call Steven's cousin, Huilin. When she finally picked up the phone and I told her the news, she was literally screamed over the phone. She was telling me how excited she was and asked me immediately what I feel likt to eat for lunch the next day! On Monday, when I told the news to Jill at her house, I could also see that she was almost in tears too! Jill had supported me all the way from when we first met. Am I so lucky? I would never imagine that I will have all these great and supportive friends and family after we move here to PA!
One faint line!!
On Saturday, I got woke up by the alarm at 7:30am. I forgot to change the alarm time again on the weekend. I shut the alarm off and fell back to sleep. By 8am, I woke up again, half sleep, took my Baby-Comp and started measuring my temperature. I closed my eyes and when it finally and beep, I opened my eyes and saw the temperature reading was 97.88. Wow! It can't be possible. I put it back on the nightstand and tried to close my eyes again. Of course, there was no way I could fell back asleep. I quietly woke up and went to the bathroom and took out my last First Response pregnancy test.
After I took the test, my eyes were still half close while reading the result. As the result kept going, all I saw was that one solid line again on the right hand side. I said to myself, 'oh well, negative again...' After few seconds, I realized a very very faint line started to appear on the left hand side. My eyes started to open bigger and bigger. Was I dreaming? Did I read it right? Or, was it that I stared at it for too long that my sight started to get blurry. I started crying. I didn't know what it was. My tears just keep coming down.
I went back to the bedroom and woke up Steven. He opened his eyes and was shocked to see his wife was crying while holding a stick that looked like a thermometer. He first thought there was something wrong with Cassandra. When he finally realize it, he took it over and read it. Because he was half asleep, he only saw one line and as I asked him to watch it closer, he confirmed that there were 2 lines!
We started to get very excited. We just couldn't stop but keep hugging each other. I wanted to confirm with a doctor, but it was a Saturday! There were no doctors that can confirm it for me! I then thought to myself that I want to tell my mom before she leaves for Taiwan next Friday which means we have to go to NJ/NY that day. Why not go check with a doctor in Flushing? We can tell the news to my mother-in-law as well! Terry and Joanna just got engaged 2 nights ago, we can have lunch with them to celebrate it all together! I checked on Worldjournal's yellowpage on the web and got the number for Tiffany and Joyce's doctor and made an appointment at 1pm! We also arranged our lunch date with Terry and Joanna at 2pm. Because my mother-in-law had to work in the city, we will pass by the city to tell her news before having dinner with my parents in NJ.
At the doctor's office, I was so nervous. The doctor laughed at my nervousness and kept telling me to calm down. Man, it's easy for her to say!! She tried to take an ultrasound and it was way too early to see anything. She then took an urine test and there was one solid and one very faint line as well. Finally, she drawn some blood from me and told me she will call me with the result. At that time, she already confirmed that, YES, I AM PREGNANT!
After I took the test, my eyes were still half close while reading the result. As the result kept going, all I saw was that one solid line again on the right hand side. I said to myself, 'oh well, negative again...' After few seconds, I realized a very very faint line started to appear on the left hand side. My eyes started to open bigger and bigger. Was I dreaming? Did I read it right? Or, was it that I stared at it for too long that my sight started to get blurry. I started crying. I didn't know what it was. My tears just keep coming down.
I went back to the bedroom and woke up Steven. He opened his eyes and was shocked to see his wife was crying while holding a stick that looked like a thermometer. He first thought there was something wrong with Cassandra. When he finally realize it, he took it over and read it. Because he was half asleep, he only saw one line and as I asked him to watch it closer, he confirmed that there were 2 lines!
We started to get very excited. We just couldn't stop but keep hugging each other. I wanted to confirm with a doctor, but it was a Saturday! There were no doctors that can confirm it for me! I then thought to myself that I want to tell my mom before she leaves for Taiwan next Friday which means we have to go to NJ/NY that day. Why not go check with a doctor in Flushing? We can tell the news to my mother-in-law as well! Terry and Joanna just got engaged 2 nights ago, we can have lunch with them to celebrate it all together! I checked on Worldjournal's yellowpage on the web and got the number for Tiffany and Joyce's doctor and made an appointment at 1pm! We also arranged our lunch date with Terry and Joanna at 2pm. Because my mother-in-law had to work in the city, we will pass by the city to tell her news before having dinner with my parents in NJ.
At the doctor's office, I was so nervous. The doctor laughed at my nervousness and kept telling me to calm down. Man, it's easy for her to say!! She tried to take an ultrasound and it was way too early to see anything. She then took an urine test and there was one solid and one very faint line as well. Finally, she drawn some blood from me and told me she will call me with the result. At that time, she already confirmed that, YES, I AM PREGNANT!
Temperature going down?
After New Year, I have been diligently taking my temperature. I didn't want to miss a day, because I was suppose to get my period on Saturday, January 5th. I am very regular....exactly 28 days. And, this is why I've been getting my period on Saturdays for many many months already.
On Thursday, my temperature was 97.64. I was thinking to myself, 'hmm..tomorrow, the temperature will go down.' On Friday morning, the temperature reading was 97.68. I started to wonder to myself...huh????? Usually, by this time, it should start reading 97.5x or 97.4x... But then, it's only 0.04 degree rise, no big deal. It's possible that I am a day or two late. By tomorrow, Saturday, it will definitely come down.
On Thursday, my temperature was 97.64. I was thinking to myself, 'hmm..tomorrow, the temperature will go down.' On Friday morning, the temperature reading was 97.68. I started to wonder to myself...huh????? Usually, by this time, it should start reading 97.5x or 97.4x... But then, it's only 0.04 degree rise, no big deal. It's possible that I am a day or two late. By tomorrow, Saturday, it will definitely come down.
Monday, January 14, 2008
This whole year
Looking back this whole year of 2007. It's been miserable and frustrating.
During this time, what I hated so much was when people asked me if I was planning for a 2nd one.
If I answer 'yes', they get excited and would ask me more questions...
If I anser 'no', they would then keep telling me how great it is to have more than one kids, and that I am depriving Cassandra not to be able to play with siblings.
And, if I told them, 'working on it, but no news yet', they would just say, 'oh it's okay, let it come naturally, don't think about it too much.'
Come on, how could I not think about it?
The way that God made us, women, is that there are ONLY few days we can conceive, once we miss it, that's it for that month! How could I not think about it and let it go naturally??
I'd been taking my temperature first thing in the morning for almost the whole year, well from March, 2007. By all the experiences from all these months, I could tell exactly what day will I get my period. How could I let it go naturally?
I think one thing I got out the most this whole year was understanding my body. I think I never knew myself more than I knew it now. I really don't know if it's good or not!
Cassandra is getting older now. Every time when we go out and if we see a baby, she will yelled out "Mommy, baby!" Because it actually hurts me, I kind of just brushed her away saying, 'yeah, yeah, yeah..' But, is that good? I shouldn't be promoting my daughter not liking babies! On the other hand, I can't pretend that I am okay! Every now and then, Cassandra will come up and tell me, "Mommy, I am bigger now, I can take care of little brother and sister, can you give me a baby?" How do I answer to that question?? I really love to, my love. But, we are lucky to be able to have you! You are our precious.
One thing I know after Dr. Schillings told us that, I felt I hug Cassandra more these days...^_^
During this time, what I hated so much was when people asked me if I was planning for a 2nd one.
If I answer 'yes', they get excited and would ask me more questions...
If I anser 'no', they would then keep telling me how great it is to have more than one kids, and that I am depriving Cassandra not to be able to play with siblings.
And, if I told them, 'working on it, but no news yet', they would just say, 'oh it's okay, let it come naturally, don't think about it too much.'
Come on, how could I not think about it?
The way that God made us, women, is that there are ONLY few days we can conceive, once we miss it, that's it for that month! How could I not think about it and let it go naturally??
I'd been taking my temperature first thing in the morning for almost the whole year, well from March, 2007. By all the experiences from all these months, I could tell exactly what day will I get my period. How could I let it go naturally?
I think one thing I got out the most this whole year was understanding my body. I think I never knew myself more than I knew it now. I really don't know if it's good or not!
Cassandra is getting older now. Every time when we go out and if we see a baby, she will yelled out "Mommy, baby!" Because it actually hurts me, I kind of just brushed her away saying, 'yeah, yeah, yeah..' But, is that good? I shouldn't be promoting my daughter not liking babies! On the other hand, I can't pretend that I am okay! Every now and then, Cassandra will come up and tell me, "Mommy, I am bigger now, I can take care of little brother and sister, can you give me a baby?" How do I answer to that question?? I really love to, my love. But, we are lucky to be able to have you! You are our precious.
One thing I know after Dr. Schillings told us that, I felt I hug Cassandra more these days...^_^
Meeting with Dr. Huang
Because I really needed a second opinion from someone I really trust. I made an appointment with Dr. Huang on 12/31. We drove over to Chinatown, New York and got there around 4pm. Steven was going to come in with me, but he couldn't find any parking space that day on the streets at all.
When I was facing Dr. Huang, I didn't know how to start in the beginning. As we went on, Dr. Huang just told me 2cm cyst doesn't need to have any surgeries yet. All I needed was monitoring it to make sure it doesn't grow bigger. He also mentioned that the risk of having the lapraoscopic surgery is to damage my intestine and he didn't really recommended. He said if we want to have another baby badly, we should just go for IVF.
One thing I like about Chinese doctors is that they are very straight forward. American doctors are too worry about all the lawsuits that they have be becareful what they are saying. On the other hand, Chinese doctors are more direct and simple.
After getting this second opinion, at least I know the surgery is out of the question. IVF..do I really want to risk having multiple births? Do I really want to force myself to have a second child naturally? Can't I just settle with only Cassandra? Isn't having Cassandra is good enough?
When I was facing Dr. Huang, I didn't know how to start in the beginning. As we went on, Dr. Huang just told me 2cm cyst doesn't need to have any surgeries yet. All I needed was monitoring it to make sure it doesn't grow bigger. He also mentioned that the risk of having the lapraoscopic surgery is to damage my intestine and he didn't really recommended. He said if we want to have another baby badly, we should just go for IVF.
One thing I like about Chinese doctors is that they are very straight forward. American doctors are too worry about all the lawsuits that they have be becareful what they are saying. On the other hand, Chinese doctors are more direct and simple.
After getting this second opinion, at least I know the surgery is out of the question. IVF..do I really want to risk having multiple births? Do I really want to force myself to have a second child naturally? Can't I just settle with only Cassandra? Isn't having Cassandra is good enough?
Ovarian Cyst
On 12/14, I went back to Dr. Schillings office and had an ultrasound test. The nurse had taken a lot of pictures. When I asked her how was everything, she said I have to wait for the doctor to discuss it with me. At that time, I felt something was not right.
Finally, on the evening of 12/15, Dr. Schillngs herself called me back with the result. She informed me that I have a very small cyst, about 2 cm, in my ovary. It is up to our decision to see whether we should take it out or not by surgery. I also asked her more details about the laparoscopic surgery and IVF. I then told her I am going to see my old Gynecologist in New York to get a second opinion. She was very gladly to and asked me to fax over a request for my medical record to her office and I can go pick up the records whenever I want to with no charge.
I felt a lot better with this doctor after the phone conversation. At least, I felt that she's more personal that I thought she was.
Finally, on the evening of 12/15, Dr. Schillngs herself called me back with the result. She informed me that I have a very small cyst, about 2 cm, in my ovary. It is up to our decision to see whether we should take it out or not by surgery. I also asked her more details about the laparoscopic surgery and IVF. I then told her I am going to see my old Gynecologist in New York to get a second opinion. She was very gladly to and asked me to fax over a request for my medical record to her office and I can go pick up the records whenever I want to with no charge.
I felt a lot better with this doctor after the phone conversation. At least, I felt that she's more personal that I thought she was.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Meeting with the RE
After the HSG test, I made an appointment with Dr. Schillings on 12/12/2007 at 9:30am. This time, I asked Steven to a day off to go with me. This appointment is basically for the doctor to go over all the tests that I had done and offered me with my options to get pregnant.
Before the meeting, on 12/7 and 12/10, I went to have blood drawn again.
At the morning of 12/12, we dropped off Cassandra at her school and went to see Dr. Schillings together. After we sat down, Dr. Schillings mentioned the tests that both him and I did were all normal. Steven had semen analysis done twice and I had numerous tests done. She said she was reading the operative report from Dr. Hurst, the doctor who did my c-section when I was in labor with Cassandra. She said by reading the report, Dr. Hurst couldn't see my ovaries during the surgery. I had adhesion and endometriosis. I didn't know what that meant. She explained to me that there were a lot of 'stuff' outside of my tubes that my parts are all stick together and that's what caused the infertility. She can perform a surgery for me called laparoscopic which she couldn't guarantee me that she can fix the problem. She will have cut a small incision and try to fix the problem, if the problem is too severe, she will not be able to do anything. This means the whole surgery is then wasted. Another option that I have is have IVF (in vitro fertilization). Since the embryo will put directly into my uterus that it bypass the ovaries and the tubes and that my insurance covers all the cost, it seems it was the best and easiest way to do. The only problem is because Steven has an active disease, Hepatitis B, that we will need to go to Columbia University Hospital in New York to do the procedure, which is going to be a pain because of the distance.
During the conversation, she basically told us that we were lucky to be able to have Cassandra. It's not that it is impossible for me to get preganant. My uterus, ovaries, tubes are all normal. It's just the chances for me to get pregnant is low.
She also asked me to go back to the office to do an ultrasound of my ovaries to just make sure that it's all good.
Before the meeting, on 12/7 and 12/10, I went to have blood drawn again.
At the morning of 12/12, we dropped off Cassandra at her school and went to see Dr. Schillings together. After we sat down, Dr. Schillings mentioned the tests that both him and I did were all normal. Steven had semen analysis done twice and I had numerous tests done. She said she was reading the operative report from Dr. Hurst, the doctor who did my c-section when I was in labor with Cassandra. She said by reading the report, Dr. Hurst couldn't see my ovaries during the surgery. I had adhesion and endometriosis. I didn't know what that meant. She explained to me that there were a lot of 'stuff' outside of my tubes that my parts are all stick together and that's what caused the infertility. She can perform a surgery for me called laparoscopic which she couldn't guarantee me that she can fix the problem. She will have cut a small incision and try to fix the problem, if the problem is too severe, she will not be able to do anything. This means the whole surgery is then wasted. Another option that I have is have IVF (in vitro fertilization). Since the embryo will put directly into my uterus that it bypass the ovaries and the tubes and that my insurance covers all the cost, it seems it was the best and easiest way to do. The only problem is because Steven has an active disease, Hepatitis B, that we will need to go to Columbia University Hospital in New York to do the procedure, which is going to be a pain because of the distance.
During the conversation, she basically told us that we were lucky to be able to have Cassandra. It's not that it is impossible for me to get preganant. My uterus, ovaries, tubes are all normal. It's just the chances for me to get pregnant is low.
She also asked me to go back to the office to do an ultrasound of my ovaries to just make sure that it's all good.
The Hysterosalpingogram Test
I was scheduled to take this HSG test on 11/13/2007.
I was very nervous. The reason being is that I was already told that the test will be very uncomfortable. What happen is I have to go into the hospital for the test. I will be asked to lay on a x-ray table. A speculum will be insert inside of me, a speculum that's bigger than the papsmear test. Then, a catheter will be inserted and will shoot a type of liquid. At this time, through the monitor, I can tell whether the liquid will flow through the tubes to go inside of my body to tell whether my tubes are open.
Since I was so nervous about this test, Steven decided to take a day off and go to the hospital with me. I was very touched. It wasn't the test result that I was nervous about. It was the projected 'pain' that I was about to experienced!!
We first went into Dr. Schillings office to pick up my prescription and walked over to the hospital to register. Steven and I first thought that he couldn't go inside of the room with me because of radiology that he was going to watch Cassandra outside of the exam room. It turned out that the nurse was so nice and patient and told Steven that he could drop off Cassandra at the 2-hour limit daycare in the hospital so that he can stay in the exam room with me.
Right before the procedure was about to begin, I made sure both the nurse and the doctor know how nervous I am about the pain and Kathleen Post, she was the one who perform the procedure, had ensured me she will be very gental.
All I knew was during the test, when she insert the speculum, I was in so much pain that I was squeezing Steven's hand and screamed in Chinese, 好痛啊! The nurse was smiling and said, 'well, we wouldn't know what to do if we don't understand you.' I told them not to worry about me. Everytime when I go see a doctor for whatever test, because my daughter is always next to me, I always have to keep a straight face. That day, my daughter finally was not around and instead it was Steven, of course, I will yell out whatever I feel! ^_^
When Kathleen insert the catheter and inject the liquid, normally I should feel some kind of discomfort and it turned out I didn't feel anything at all. And, as the liquid was injected, I could see on the monitor that the liquid was flowing normally through my tubes. And, after the test, I was told that I may have spotting afterwards and it was all normal.
The test was done on Tuesday morning, it turned out I started bleeding in the evening of Wednesday and was continued for 5 days after that. The nurse from the doctor's office told me it was okay. As it turned out oddly, may be because of those 5-days bleeding/spotting, I had an odd feeling that I was ovulating the weekend after the spotting stop, which means I ovulated a whole week later than normal. And, I did get my menstruation exactly a week later than I suppose to. The doctor couldn't explain why. She said human bodies do different things at different times.
I was very nervous. The reason being is that I was already told that the test will be very uncomfortable. What happen is I have to go into the hospital for the test. I will be asked to lay on a x-ray table. A speculum will be insert inside of me, a speculum that's bigger than the papsmear test. Then, a catheter will be inserted and will shoot a type of liquid. At this time, through the monitor, I can tell whether the liquid will flow through the tubes to go inside of my body to tell whether my tubes are open.
Since I was so nervous about this test, Steven decided to take a day off and go to the hospital with me. I was very touched. It wasn't the test result that I was nervous about. It was the projected 'pain' that I was about to experienced!!
We first went into Dr. Schillings office to pick up my prescription and walked over to the hospital to register. Steven and I first thought that he couldn't go inside of the room with me because of radiology that he was going to watch Cassandra outside of the exam room. It turned out that the nurse was so nice and patient and told Steven that he could drop off Cassandra at the 2-hour limit daycare in the hospital so that he can stay in the exam room with me.
Right before the procedure was about to begin, I made sure both the nurse and the doctor know how nervous I am about the pain and Kathleen Post, she was the one who perform the procedure, had ensured me she will be very gental.
All I knew was during the test, when she insert the speculum, I was in so much pain that I was squeezing Steven's hand and screamed in Chinese, 好痛啊! The nurse was smiling and said, 'well, we wouldn't know what to do if we don't understand you.' I told them not to worry about me. Everytime when I go see a doctor for whatever test, because my daughter is always next to me, I always have to keep a straight face. That day, my daughter finally was not around and instead it was Steven, of course, I will yell out whatever I feel! ^_^
When Kathleen insert the catheter and inject the liquid, normally I should feel some kind of discomfort and it turned out I didn't feel anything at all. And, as the liquid was injected, I could see on the monitor that the liquid was flowing normally through my tubes. And, after the test, I was told that I may have spotting afterwards and it was all normal.
The test was done on Tuesday morning, it turned out I started bleeding in the evening of Wednesday and was continued for 5 days after that. The nurse from the doctor's office told me it was okay. As it turned out oddly, may be because of those 5-days bleeding/spotting, I had an odd feeling that I was ovulating the weekend after the spotting stop, which means I ovulated a whole week later than normal. And, I did get my menstruation exactly a week later than I suppose to. The doctor couldn't explain why. She said human bodies do different things at different times.
Reproductive Endocrinology
On September 10, before seeing the RE, I decided to take the blood test which was prescirbed from my OB/GYN, Dr. David Hanes. The test result came back normal.
On Tuesday, October 23, 2007, I went to my first appointment with Dr. Schillings, the RE. The appointment lasted for about an hour. Cassandra was very cooperate while Dr. Schillings trying to find out my whole medical history.
At this visit, I wasn't very enthusiastic about this doctor. She felt very businesslike to me. I didn't know if I should continue to go and see her, but she was the only one listed on the Lehigh Valley Hospital's website.
She told me that I have to get a cervical culture the next day or two (I forgot when), to make sure that I ovulated and that I need to take another blood test again. The blood test is to be taken on the 1st day of my menstruation to check my hormone level.
After both results came back normal, I was asked to go for a Hysterosalpingogram test, also known as Dye test which has to be taken 5 -12 days after menstruation. The test is to check whether my fallopian tubes are open.
On Tuesday, October 23, 2007, I went to my first appointment with Dr. Schillings, the RE. The appointment lasted for about an hour. Cassandra was very cooperate while Dr. Schillings trying to find out my whole medical history.
At this visit, I wasn't very enthusiastic about this doctor. She felt very businesslike to me. I didn't know if I should continue to go and see her, but she was the only one listed on the Lehigh Valley Hospital's website.
She told me that I have to get a cervical culture the next day or two (I forgot when), to make sure that I ovulated and that I need to take another blood test again. The blood test is to be taken on the 1st day of my menstruation to check my hormone level.
After both results came back normal, I was asked to go for a Hysterosalpingogram test, also known as Dye test which has to be taken 5 -12 days after menstruation. The test is to check whether my fallopian tubes are open.
Trying for a miracle
I'd been wanting to start this blog for a long time, but just couldn't bring myself to start writing. I guess it was because it's too depressing when note down all the feelings....
Ever since January 2007, Steven and I started to really plan out for our 2nd pregnancy. Due to the commute, the stress from hosting parties, and all other work that needed to be done in the house before the parties, Steven's Hepatitis B virus came out. The doctor had told him that he needed to be on medication, but he can't take this type of medication if we were trying to get pregnant.
January passed, February passed, March, April...finally, by May, I decided to go see my OB/GYN. He prescribed Steven to go for a semen analysis. His test result came back normal. The count was a bit low, but it was still in the normal range. He was asked to go for an analysis again 3 months later.
By June, I was getting so frustrated and depressed. Steven and I decided to go on a vacation. We, together with our daughter, went to Beaches resort in Jamaica. With all the things that happened, we still had a good time vacationing together. Thou, there was still no sign of pregnancy.
In August, I decided to look up a Reproductive Endorcrinologist, an infertility specialist. I checked on Lehigh Valley Hospital's website and found Dr. Wendy Schillings. I called right away and had set up an appointment on 10/23 at 11am.
Ever since January 2007, Steven and I started to really plan out for our 2nd pregnancy. Due to the commute, the stress from hosting parties, and all other work that needed to be done in the house before the parties, Steven's Hepatitis B virus came out. The doctor had told him that he needed to be on medication, but he can't take this type of medication if we were trying to get pregnant.
January passed, February passed, March, April...finally, by May, I decided to go see my OB/GYN. He prescribed Steven to go for a semen analysis. His test result came back normal. The count was a bit low, but it was still in the normal range. He was asked to go for an analysis again 3 months later.
By June, I was getting so frustrated and depressed. Steven and I decided to go on a vacation. We, together with our daughter, went to Beaches resort in Jamaica. With all the things that happened, we still had a good time vacationing together. Thou, there was still no sign of pregnancy.
In August, I decided to look up a Reproductive Endorcrinologist, an infertility specialist. I checked on Lehigh Valley Hospital's website and found Dr. Wendy Schillings. I called right away and had set up an appointment on 10/23 at 11am.
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