Olivia Simone is here!

The little pea came into the world via c-section on Tuesday, October 27th at 12:26pm. She weighed 7 lbs. 2 ounces and is 20 inches long. Olivia is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. She is perfect. Of course, the reality of her birth story was not my ideal birth. I was induced on Sunday and after 40 hours of pre-labor the doctors decided that the best thing for her was a cesearan section. I did not oppose it because 1.) I no longer wanted more drugs pumped into my body. My cervix was not dilating and therefore not reacting to the pitocin. 2.) The induction methods were starting to affect the baby and that is the last thing I wanted. I cried as they prepared me for surgery and the epidural to numb me made me shake. I prepared for months for a natural vaginal birth (books, classes, videos) and instead I found myself on an operating table scared to death and unable to feel my legs. The odd thing is that I forgot to realize something very important. My cousin pointed out that I got what I had wanted all along. It was just Todd and me at her birth. Sure, there were several doctors and nurses, but in my mind and in those moments I only felt Todd at my side and together we waited for our little girl to come. I didn't stop to think how intimate those moments were and how special it was when I heard the excitement in his voice when he said, "Val, she's beautiful!" I can still hear his voice perfectly! And she is beautiful. What more could I ask for? An amazing man to share her with, my family and friends anxiously waiting right outside the operating room, and a gorgeous and healthy baby girl. I am so lucky. So incredibly lucky.

Today I added a couple of 3 month outfits to my diaper bag instead of just newborn ones. A friend of mine just had a baby weighing 9+ pounds and he's in 6 month old clothes! That's nuts. Since Olivia is still in my belly getting fatter, I wanted to make sure she had very fashionable outfits for when people come to meet her at the hospital that will fit her plus-size figure!

Today is October 20th. I never thought this day would come, and now it's here. I loved having you in my belly. Even when I hated it I truly loved it. You've traveled with me to the other side of the country, you've lived with us in San Francisco, and lots of other fun things. I've had 9 months to prepare for you and now I'm very ready. We are dying to officially meet you. Don't want to sound mean, but please come out. It's been lovely having you, but I would like my body back. The baby hotel is closed for now. Thank you. :)

Todd practices with Moby wrap.

Thank you Buddha for all of the positive energy and opportunity in my life. I thank you for a healthy pregnancy and the blessing of carrying this baby to full term. I hope for a safe and beautiful delivery and the healthy arrival of my little germ. Amen.

Olivia wants.

Had my 38 week visit today. Doctor checked and my cervix is 50% thinned out but I am not dilated at all it seems. I was kind of hoping for some action but expecting none. Two weeks until due date!

15 days until due date!

My body hurts, and I am tired, and my skin is stretching...
I cannot wait to see you and hold you and kiss you
but I will be patient and enjoy you in my belly
growing and moving and being with me every second.

Good morning.

Books and boobs.

My energy is getting low lately. I like laying in bed but I force myself to be active to get this baby out!

Valentine Bigsby

I am already mom to a furbaby. His name is Valentine. He is three and he came from the San Francisco SPCA. When I saw him I fell in love. He was partially shaved and only had long fur on his legs, head, and tail because he had a hard knock life before he was rescued. Valentine arrived to the SPCA with mats in his hairs and in desperate need of a comfy and loving home. We went to see kittens but he stole my heart. I baby him and spoil him so much. He sleeps on his own pillow next to me in our bed. He gets as many treats as he wants and drinks filtered water. Sometimes I feel guilty that he has no clue someone will be coming into our lives soon that will take so much of my attention. I hope he doesn't get too jealous.

A little humor.

Yesterday I noticed Olivia wasn't being as acrobatic as usual. For a couple months now I feel her pretty much all day. If I am hungry, if I eat, if I am driving, anything! She was doing her expected number of movements for the day, but not as many as I like. This morning she was pretty lazy, too. I decided to go visit the nurses at Kaiser and get her checked out. Yes, I can be a bit paranoid. Even after I ate a bagel she was lazy and as we drove I took a couple sips of Todd's coffee and she was still quiet. When we arrived they decided to give her a non-stress test. It is a test created to make sure the baby is still thriving and happy and not under stress (especially as due dates get near). It measures her movements in conjunction with the rise and fall of her heart rate. So I lay down and get hooked up with little monitors on my belly. The nurse walks out and it's just me, Todd, and the little germ. Then she starts going nuts! She was practically pushing the monitors off my stomach! They were literally moving from side to side. Her heart rate was high, around 170 plus or minus, because she was so hyper! It was ridiculous. Well, she failed the test. Not because she wasn't moving (movement is the most reassuring sign of a healthy fetus) but because they couldn't establish a resting heart rate for her since she was doing karate in there. The second part of the test is an ultrasound to measure specific movements. So I settle onto the ultrasound table and the nurse puts the little wand thingy to my belly and Olivia is ASLEEP! She decided to go to take a nap for the part of the test that requires her to move and was too awake for the part that requires her to be relaxing! How silly is that?!! Anyway, she failed that part too since we couldn't wake her up. Her movements had to be voluntary or it wouldn't "count". Tomorrow I have to go back and get the test done again. Not because they are worried, obviously she is fine, but because Kaiser protocol requires a retake of the test if the baby fails (probably to avoid liability). She's too much.