4 more weeks to go!

Our last doctor's appointment was really exciting. Apparently I'm 50% effaced (the cervix is thinning out in preparation for giving birth). I know it will take a while still until the actual birth but it is super exciting to know the labor process has already started. And for the most part I haven't even felt it - the human body is magnificent! :)

Here are the stats from our visit:
* My blood pressure = 100/60
* Gemma's heart rate = 146
* Gemma's position = head down :)
* My weight gain = 0lbs. I really fluctuate. Sometimes, like last time, I gained 4 lbs in 2 weeks but this time I didn't gain any in the same period of time. All in all, I'm averaging 1 lb/week which is healthy and on track!

Scott and I have been really taking classes. Our last two classes have been just wonderful and soooooo informative.

Class - 1st 6 weeks
In this class we learned about 2 main huge topics:
* taking care of our physical health - including sitz baths and herbs to use and the importance of 'rooming in' and SLEEP and hydration and food and fresh air... so much!
* taking care of our emotional health - SLEEP, setting up support systems with family and friends, setting realistic expectations about how much one can do in a day, postpartum sex expectations, SLEEP, setting limits, accepting help, COMMUNICATION...too much to mention!

At the beginning of the class, we did a couples' project where we brainstormed and wrote down our ideas on the following areas of support that we'll want to remember after the baby arrives:
* Resources - who are the folks that can help us physically and emotionally?
* Food - what are some good ways to get good nourishment?
* Sleep - what are ways to get more?
* Bliss List - what are things we want to remember and try to get back to within the first year after the baby's birth?

It was a fun exercise to collaborate with Scott and remember some of our options - relying on advice from experienced moms & dads will be and already is a HUGE resource. Here is our first piece of parental artwork:
Class - Breastfeeding (sorry, no pictures):
While Scott was at Gamefest in Seattle, I went to a breastfeeding class. WOW! I didn't know you could spend 3 hours talking about breastfeeding. We didn't even cover everything.

I learned so much, here are just a very few things:
* The benefits of breastfeeding - check out ProMom.org for the 101 reasons to breastfeed
* A baby's latch must also include the areola with the nipple pointing up towards the roof of the baby's mouth, not just straight in
* Anatomy of mom and baby. For example, did you know a baby's stomach at birth is the size of a marble - that's why they eat so often!
* A baby's chin should be directly on the breast, not the nose - more of the areola should be covered by the baby's lower lip than top
* Positions & alignments! I think I'll like the football hold.
* Rules for a good milk supply (in order of priority):
- Frequent feedings (8 - 12/day) - that is what what makes mamas produce milk
- Rest when baby sleeps
- Nutritious diet - 2700 calories/day - wow!
- Hydration - drink up!
- RELAX
* Signs a baby is getting enough milk - check the diapers - is stuff coming out? :)
* What dads can do to help - emotional support was top of the list: Partner approval dramatically affects the success of breastfeeding. Helping mama position the baby, burp her, change diapers, ensure mom is getting enough rest, water and yummy food was also up there too.
* Preventing problems, for example
- Get good, well-fitting nursing bras
- Don't skip meals
- Frequent feedings
- Don't introduce the bottle until at least 3 - 4 weeks, if possible
- If you need to supplement, you can supplement with your own milk and a tiny tub you can attach while breastfeeding, syringe and even cup/spoon! Very cool!
* What to do if there is a problem like engorgement (did you know cabbage leaves can help?), sore nipples, plugged ducts happens...
* Postpartum depression - it can happen to anyone - the signs to watch out for
* Pumping
* Going back to work
* Weaning...

I think the reason why we need to learn about breastfeeding is because we, as a culture, have long lost the common knowledge that used to be passed on naturally from woman to woman because it was open and visible in public. That is certainly not the case in the US at least. Oh well!

Glad I had this class! Completely mind-opening!

Hospital Tour = :)

We also finally had our hospital tour at Sequoia Hospital last week. It was FANTASTIC!!!It was just what we wanted. The tour was with a small group, just 5 couples, and we were able to see the actual rooms and the nursery. The nurses in the Labor and Delivery ward were very friendly and were actually smiling. :) Photo taken by David Bacon:
Plus on average, Sequoia delivers 4 babies a day vs. the 17 babies Stanford had delivered in just 12 hours on the day we had our tour there. I'm glad we made the switch. Stanford is a great Hospital for sure, it just wasn't for us for delivering Gemma.

I'm really looking forward to the private room and not being moved from room to room at every stage. Here are some pictures of one of the the LDPR rooms (labor, delivery, postpartum and recovery rooms):
The bed is a transformer bed - they change out the different parts of the bed depending on where you are in the whole process. You can't see it from here but you can add a squatting bar to the bed and actually deliver in that position too. They allow you to dim the lights and decorate as well. They don't have a tub there but they are ok with you bringing one in. Scott l pretty much shot that idea down. We'll have more than enough to handle without bringing a tub of our own and filling it. But I was tempted!!! LOL! Oh, the only thing they don't allow are tripods since folks can trip on them.
Above is the guest bed and the gliding chair they have for us. The restrooms are private too! Plus all the post baby cleaning and weighing is done directly in the same room too so mama can see everything and not miss anything.

The view from the room:
In addition, they had this amazing security system with the bracelets to ensure the baby's safety. For example there will be an instant lock-down of the ward if one walks outside a certain perimeter with a baby (even theirs) before being discharged.

In general, Scott and I had a good feeling about Sequoia. :)

Mother Blessing - Week 35

I wanted to do a different sort of baby shower with my good girlfriends. I wanted something that focused more on the mother and preparing her for motherhood. So 6 of my friends, all of them mothers, and I got together to do my version of a Mother Blessing.

Vic Chung, awesome friend and honorary Grandpa (aka Gumpa), let us hold the event at his house. This is the same house were I lived my last part of my single life, where Scott and I shared our first sweet kiss and where we were married 2 years ago. It felt fitting that we would hold this event there too. Thank you , Vic!!!We didn't take pictures of the event - I was so into it - but here are some pictures of us preparing for it (that's Ali - Vic's cat):

The main event:

It turned out wonderfully and it really felt like a community event supporting me into this next phase of life I'm about to embark. Thank you so much, Magda, for organizing it for me!!!! :)

We created birth art, facilitated by Rocio, and shared birth stories. It was super intimate and emotional. I loved hearing everyone's varied stories and I really appreciated everyone's enthusiasm and heart-felt honesty. THANK YOU EVERYONE!

Me? I drew an image of a strong woman squatting with arms wide open, open in nature surrounded by deeply rooted trees as her support, milk flowing from her. I was surprised at how emotional drawing this open image made me... but at the same time it made me feel strong & confident... I have hopes for the birth but I'm going in with _no_ expectations. :)

Next we did the birth bracelet/blessing part, facilitated by Nerissa. Everyone brought with them a bead to contribute to a bracelet for me and Nerissa shaped it together. The idea is for me to wear the bracelet during labor and delivery and use the inspiration they've given me to get through the hard work of labor. I'd look and touch it and think of the stories of perseverance, strength, letting go, and opening up! Every bead tells a story, a wish, a blessing.

For example, one of the beads, the letter 'B', came with a song/poem, written by Rocio that very morning:
It was beautiful, funny, touching, original, bilingual...just mind blowing and emotional. Mil Gracias, Rocio!

Nerissa also recited a poem with her blessing:

Mothers & Daughters

Holding my newborn daughter
I feel time slip from me
I am my grandmother holding my mother,
my mother holding me
Many generations converge
in her small face
Mothers & daughters
lost to each other...

Once more in her embrace

-- author unknown

All of the beads and the blessings really touched me. Each had a unique perspective and blessing and I just loved it. Some of the beads even came from Africa via Jennifer G's mom from BeadForLife - wow! It is a non-profit organization that teaches Ugandan woman to turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful beads! All the profits from the selling of the beads are invested in community development projects that generate income and help these woman escape extreme poverty. Here's a picture of some of the bead makers: Thank you again, Magda, Rocio, Nerissa, Jennifer G., Jennifer F. and Mirari!!!! This was such an amazing experience for me and I really appreciate and love everyone's sentiments and love shared.

Here's the outcome:It was an emotional and fun day and I will forever remember it!

Rosaura's Day Off

Ok - so we didn't end of singing 'Twist and Shout" in a city parade like Ferris Bueller but we did have a wonderful and relaxing time.

One of my best friends, Magda (college buddy, Director of Plugged In, and awesome mother of 2 kids), flew in from out of town to help me prepare and celebrate Gemma's arrival. :)

First we had an easy Friday morning and slept in - yahoo! I needed a break. Then we headed off to Redwood city to have lunch with an old friend, Mark Wallace. We have a great time chatting and eating at this yummy restaurant called Milagros (means 'miracle' in Spanish), a nice coincidence. :)

Before lunch we had a tour of Hope Lab - a wonderful non-profit organization that makes video games and other products to help young people with chronic illness. Their most recent release is called "Re-Mission" a PC video game that helps children/young adults learn more about their cancer and their part in it's successful treatment. The game is based on tons of medical research - and it is FREE! If you know anyone who is interested, please see the links above.

Next we headed out to one of our favorite stores: Babies R Us! LOL! We didn't get much but it is always neat to see the new stuff. :) BTW, I am looking for a 42" x 42" stretchy-fabric swaddling blanket. Let me know if you know where to get one.

Ahhhh, next we drove up to S.F. for some major pampering:

SENSPA

This isn't just a place to get a massage or facial, it truly is an event, an experience. If you go, get there early and chill out. We didn't know what were in for and instead of heading in early, we finished our conversation and munchies in the car parked just outside the oasis! Hilarious! Now we know better! :)

We both received 80-minute massages. WOW! I had never received that long of a massage and boy, did I need a prenatal one at this point since everything seems to ache! I felt like a steam engine coming into the station and giving the hugest SIGH as we started the massage. They had this special pillow that allowed me to lay down on my tummy. At first Gemma was squirming around which got me a little nervous. But she calmed down as I relaxed and it was just heaven. Here's a picture of us just after:Oh my goodness... and the tea and snacks they gave us were soooooo yummy - dark chocolate, dried fruits, fresh organic fruits, almonds and nuts. If you go, see if you can get Martin Aguilar - he's fantastic!

In our blissful state, we meet our good friends, Art and Moosh. Magda and I went to the university with Art. He's a mechanical engineer working at Lunar and is super great with kids. She's a child psychologist working at the CA Pacific Medical Center in child development, wonderful dancer and is glowing from the pregnancy. They are expecting their first baby 2 weeks before us!
We brought them some gifts and checked out their awesome remodel. They made a herculean effort to get it all done before baby Maya comes and they did a great job! Scott and I have been redecorating too - funny how babies inspire this sort of nesting in us! :)

We at this fabulous Middle Eastern restaurant named Fattoush and chatted and laughed up a storm. I can't wait for our babies to meet!

Here's a picture of the 2 expectant mamas with one of our inspirational mamas!:
And just to continue the Art Sandoval tradition (no relation), here's a picture of us comparing bellies too!:
It was a great day off! :)

LA - Baby Shower - Week 34

34 weeks! 6 more weeks to go! Feeling good!

Wow, we had a wonderful time in LA this past weekend. My sister, Maria, hosted a fantastic party for us at The Raymond Restaurant in Pasadena.
It was mainly family from my side and a few college friends with their babies and S.O's. All the Smith family members were there (except for Francesca who had another commitment) and the kids were having fun yet were really well-behaved, even Beto, the youngest. :)

My sister, Carmen and her partner, Lisa. My parents! :)

The Smith family plus some guest stars :Vittoria, Carlos, David, Isabella, Sophia and Katharina. Here's a sweet shot of Maria, Betito and Eddie:

My brother Gonzalo! My brother Felipe with his son, David.

These are my friends from college:

Delia was my best buddy in college. With her is her boyfriend, Randy. To the right is a picture of Randy's son, Jordon, with Delia's son, Carlos.

And here are my friends, Jonathan and Linda with their son David. Jonathan and I were in the same freshman dorm together. To the right is a picture of Diana and her son Joaquin. We danced together in Ballet Folklorico de Stanford. She was one of the premiere dancers! :)

And last, but not least, is Mrs. Limon. She is the mother of the Limon sisters who we grew up with. She's a great friend. :) Leigh Limon, her youngest daughter and our friend, just had her baby boy, Tristan, 1 week earlier. We were really happy Mrs. Limon, aka Jessica, could make it to the party.We sat outside by the garden and the weather was perfect, warm but with a good breeze. The food was great, tea-style finger food that was surprisingly filling. My sister made up a really cool game - she listed out a bunch of ways to say 'baby' in many languages and we had to figure out which matched up. Delia got them all correct:

Italian = bambino
Russian = malish
Korean = ehgi
Spanish = bebe
Vietnamese = cong
Portugese = bebe

My brothers also played some music for us - acoustic versions of the Eagles' "Hotel California" and Kansas' "Dust in the Wind" and some blues. It was fun and folks joined in on the singing.
Wow, and everyone was so generous - we didn't think at first we'd be able to get it all in the car. But Scotty, with his pack-ology degree, found a way to do it. Thank you to everyone for your words of encouragement, your presence there and your generous gifts. We love you!


It was a _wonderful_event and we thank everyone who was able to make it and especially thank my sister Maria for organizing it all. We felt really loved and supported. :) We can't wait for Gemma to meet everyone! :)

Saturday night we spent it hanging out with Delia and her son Carlos and had dinner at a posh Italian restaurant called Mi Piace. Thank goodness we came there early because by the time we left there was a major line inside and outside of the restaurant. The food was super delicious.

We ended the night in a wonderful room at the Westin in Pasadena that Maria and Eddie generously gave us. Thank goodness for hotel points! Scotty and I slept sooooo well. It was heavenly.... ahhhh! :)

The next morning we had a great breakfast at my parents house. Gonzalo joined us for a yummy home-made Mexican breakfast - huevos rancheros con hongos y fruta!!!!

The drive back wasn't as bad as I had originally thought - we stopped literally every hour to let me stretch and go to the bathroom. I did well but at the very end I started to feel my feet swell up. Eeks.

Blitzy was sooooo excited to see us. :) This was the last trip before the baby comes...glad to be home now. :) :)

Here are some other shots I couldn't help but post:

Everything is in Bloom!

We have a flower explosion in our tiny garden. And my belly seems to be blossoming too. :) We've never had a garden before, well, one that survived, so we are super excited about this one taking. Thanks again to Scott's parents for helping us out and planting it for us.
Yesterday we had another good visit with our wonderful doctor. Everything is moving along really well. Each time we meet Dr. Hoff, I'm reassured we made the right decision in switching doctors. He's open to all our ideas - he's fine with me giving birth in a squat position, holding off on the IV to allow me to move around freely, avoiding an episiotomy, not cutting the umbilical cord right away, not taking the baby away right away for measuring and stuff, and in general, not being rushed... I feel good! :)

These past 2 weeks I did also blossom and gained 4 lbs! Eeeks. Magda, one of my best friends, reminded me that right now I am not in control of my body, the baby is. She'll do and take what she needs right now. It was a good reminder. Gracias Magda!

Some stats:
* My blood pressure = 102/62
* Gemma's heart rate = 155 (she's gonna be a wildcat!)
* My fundal length (pelvic bone to top of uterus) = 32 cm
* Weight gain = 4 lbs.

We are off today to visit mi familia in LA. They are throwing us a baby shower. We are excited to see them all. It will be the last time I see the whole family before Gemma arrives in 6 more weeks.

We'll be taking the scenic route down the 101 and stopping 1/2 way in San Luis Obispo tonight at the Apple Farm Inn. It is a little more flowery than we are used to but it comes highly recommended. Something new for us to try. :) We'll make the rest of the way to LA Saturday morning. Looking forward to it all.

Abrazos y besos a todos!

No more lazy placenta!

Just to quick note to say that I've been given the thumb's up - my placenta has moved up. It is no longer blocking "the exit". I can now attempt a natural birth.

I have lots of hopes in the way I'd like to give birth but no expectations. I know giving birth to Gemma will be a wild and tiring yet fulfilling ride.

Whatever happens, I'm super happy!