[mood | sleepy ]
[music| waaa waaa ]

Wow, Charlie and I have already been parents for almost 5 weeks now! Amazing how time flies. Ethan looks a little different every day and he’s growing so much. He’s already 23 inches long and weighs 11lbs 4oz!

On with the pictures…does anyone know a better place to upload? I wanted to use picasa but it says I need a larger ($$$) gmail account….I have over 300 pics of Ethan so far and lots of video…

[edit] I just make a new acct for Ethan each month and upload in picasa there. [end edit]

Daddy & Ethan (of course we didn’t share the cake w/ him )

Mommy & Ethan

Mommy & Ethan 3/10/08

Partied out…hehe

Ethan loves his new bathtub (it has a spa feature lol)

Ethan had his first playdate this week (3/14) with my friend Mandy’s baby, Ellie (his girlfriend hehe). They’re pretty cute together….awww

[mood | totally smitten]
[music| baby coo's hehe ]

It’s amazing how quickly and deeply you can fall in  love in a matter of minutes…

Welcome Baby Ethan!!!!

I went in for my induction on Saturday around midnite. The stupid ER people let me sit down there for over an hour and a half. Finally, Charlie and I got upstairs to the L&D room (very nice room btw). The nurse started the sidotek (to ripen my cervix–at that point I was still only dialted a little over 1) and told us to rest.  It was hard to sleep due to all the excitement, but we tried our best.

A few hours later the new nurse (she was ok, the first one sucked) we started the pitocin to speed up my contractions and make them more powerful. About an hour of this I asked for my epi…I believe I was dialated to 2.

The epi is great for the pain of the contractions (believe me, I was balling my eyes out) but it doesn’t take away pressure. By the time I was dialated to 10 (around 2:30pm) I had such horrible pressure from Ethan pushing his head down that the epi wasn’t helping, no matter how much I boosted it, or despite the 2nd one they gave me

My doctor visited me on and off. I had my 3rd nurse, Maria (I love her!) for most of this time. She was concerned that baby’s heartrate was dropping. My doc came in to check on me during the day here and there. They attached a fetal monitor to baby’s head to keep monitoring his heartbeat. They stopped my pitocin since I was contracting on my own (around noon). I was placed on oxygen and constantly rotated to try to help the baby and myself breathe better. When Maria called my doc to come back the 3rd time, she stayed. She thought since I was at 10 and had this unbearable urge to push we’d start. I pushed a few times and by this point my contractions were one minute apart, but with every contraction, baby’s heart rate dropped, it went into the 60′s and I noticed my doc had blood all over her hands (I had a placental abruption). The next thing I knew I was being whisked away to the operating room for an emergency c-section. This was the only time in my life that I can say I sensed Charlie was scared or worried.

There were 11 people in the room and everyone seemed stressed. I just remember crying like a baby because even though I didn’t know what exactly was going on, I knew it wasn’t good and I knew we didn’t have much time. They didn’t even wait for me to be fully numb to start, so I felt some pain.  A few minutes later (which seemed like forever) I heard a baby cry. The nicu nurse came over to tell me that my baby was just fine. I heard lot’s of things behind the curtain like “he’s so cute!” “Omg he’s a little football player”. He weighed 8lbs 10oz and 21 inches long (they measured him at 18, which was wrong) lol

Big baby

Getting ready to see mommy

His feet are black from his footprints, Charlie had them put on his shirt too

What a rough day…

Charlie went to go see him and I was sewn back up (Charlie said he looked too fast and saw my uterus lol ) and then was taken away to a room to recover. I couldn’t breathe well, couldn’t talk (my throat was closed up for some reason) couldn’t swallow and had uncontrollable shaking. After a while of Maria feeding me ice chips and covering me, they brought me Ethan and Charlie. I fell in love right then and there. I think I started crying. I know it is cheesy, but I was overwhelmed with joy and love. I fed him right away and held him while recovering. During this time Charlie called my parents (who were pissed they missed the birth but what can I do, it was an emergency) and they came over. I was taken to my recovery room where we stayed for 4 nights.

Ethan is 7 days old now and as precious as ever. I think he gets cuter every day. It’s amazing how he changes every day and looks a little different…

Charlie and I have been tired from changing diapers (daddy’s job) and feeding him (my job) but it is so worth it. I can say Charlie has really changed a lot w/ Ethan coming into our lives. He’s so supportive and sweet now. I don’t know how I would have done it w/out him.

More later…the swelling/carpal tunnel in my hands is so severe I can hardly type

[mood | excited/nervous ]
[music| F4- 在這裡等你- wait for you here]

Congratulations to Mandy!!!!

After a 32 hour labor and emergency c-section she had a beautiful baby girl (Baby Ethan already has dibs on her–where else will he find a Chinese-Jew mix??? ) Elena Madeline!

Welcome Baby Elena!

Congrats to Mandy & Andy

Speaking of babies, Baby Ethan should arrive sometime in the next week or so. We can’t wait!!!! We’re really getting excited (ok, and I am really getting nervous too!) The question now is, will Baby Ethan be a golden piggy, or a golden rat?

Fu-Fu the Bat

What would you do if you had a bat on your front porch area? We had one right by the front door—so cute . It was just a baby bat, hanging upside down to the right of our front door. At first I freaked out because I thought it was a huge beetle LOL but it was a cute bat. It makes really cute noises (like a chirpy one and hisses) I know they’re good luck in Chinese culture, so we didn’t hurt it (plus Charlie won’t hurt any living thing–he’s buddhist), but because they could carry rabies, SARS, and their poop is supposedly a biohazard, Charlie took it outside and hid it so that nobody harms it. Wow, I hope we didn’t just wash our luck away

What would you guys have done?

Sub Vent Update

Ugh I am still working w/ the dumbest sub, ever! I don’t know if she is just stupid or inconsiderate? Either way, it’s a bad combo. When I went back to work last week I realized she went through (after telling her NOT to use my candy) $200 worth of candy, at least 30 expo markers, etc. I don’t know if she doesn’t realize that this all comes from my own pocket and I am not rich, or what? Ugh. Either way it’s rude and inconsiderate. Every time I go back after 2 weeks off it is a disaster—I can only imagine what it will be like after 6 weeks. This week I decided to lock up everything, I am not even leaving the bitch a pencil!

Music to my ears…

So last week my OB asked me what we’re listening to during Labor& Delivery—any suggestions on what to update my ipod with?

[mood | exhausted ]
[music| Jay Chou- Tian Tian De]

Errands, Errands and more Errands…

Whew! What a day. I was out all day from 7:30am to now….crazy huh? let’s just say I made good use of my last day off. I went to the OB, then eat breakfast, post office (took care of tax stuff woohoo), took my doctors note to the district office (2 seperate depts), then to both of my schools, got my car washed, ate lunch, bought  a coupon book so I can get organized (filing it is on my tonights to-do list), picked up dry cleaning, went to babies r us for some things I needed and to get Mandy a gift from her bb registry, went to use up my stupid sporting goods store gift card (got tennis balls and a stop watch i will need for delivery), went to staples to get my wedding planning binder and baby binder in order and finally came home….with the biggest headache ever! Now I just have to do some laundry and get those organized thingys, organized

See so I don’t just sit at home—these past 2 weeks (since jan 15) that I have been off work have been busy! I had to get Sam settled in the US (pick up, take him to buy everything, find an apt, get registered at school, buy a car, get dmv stuff done, get license, get car ins, get cell phone, etc. Waaa moving here can be overwhelming but he seems to like it I also got my apt cleaned (even though I am really pissed off at Molly Maid for doing a shitty job, even on the come back reclean appt! I think I am going to fire them!), I yanked apart my fridge and scrubbed and washed the blinds, the carpets, etc. Maybe I am nesting? lol

38 weeks and counting….

I went in for my 38 week check up today…baby is still not ready to come out yet. Surprising since they told me I was having so much pre-term labor stuff going on from week 29, and then at 34 & 35 weeks they kept telling me he’d be here in 2 weeks, 3 max. Well, that time has come and gone, and he has actually moved UP!

At 34 weeks I had already dropped and baby was at -1 station. At 35 weeks he was dropped even further and at 0–engaged, this is where they are supposed to stay and keep going lower. Both times I was effaced 50% and dialated 1cm. Every time they gave me hope he would come soon. 2 weeks. Bah!

When I went in at 37 weeks he had moved up to a -2 station and I was still dialted and effaced the same. My OB was really confused how could bb actually unengage and move UP? So weird. I guess though with my time off work, he got relaxed and changed his mind about coming out early. LOL I must have a comfy uterus hehe

So I have decided to go back to work tomorrow–that was a fiasco in itself to get cleared. But, there is no point of me sitting at home wasting $$ when bb is obviously not coming this week….maybe the stress of school will speed things up? Don’t even get me started on the stupidity of my sub (would that be part 2 or 3? Let’s just say in addition to not being on schedule (surprise, surprise) she did give my whole 8th grade class my cell phone number…but that is a different story for another day….

I was worried though, he doesn’t move as much anymore and has a lower heart rate (129) the past 2 weeks than usual—anyone know if this is normal?  I just pray that he is okay and will be fine.

So having said all that, despite the fact that I keep expecting him soon, I am not rushing him though, he will come out on his own when he’s ready. I can’t wait to meet him!

Btw…a big thank you to Irachka and Yvonne for your gifts!!! So sweet of you girls. Thank you so much!!!

If you haven’t checked out my maternity pics yet, make sure to do so. I love Jimmy’s work–can’t wait to use him for my newborn pics!!!!

Well, time for me to get back to work. I have been running around all day since 7:30 this morning! Got so much done though—feels great!!!!

36 weeks pregnant…..(9 months)

I love Jimmy Cheng photography!!!!!!!

[mood | exhausted ]
[music| Valen Hsu- Hao Ting]

睡不著

I am so sick of not being able to sleep. I know, I know, once bb arrives I can forget what it is like to sleep a whole night through, but I should have a few more weeks to treasure sleep, right?

Every night I find myself up until 3am at least, tossing and turning. My huge tummy is piled on pillows, pillows on my back, between my legs, etc. Poor Charlie, not only does he have to deal w/ the tossing, turning, sighing and all the pillows, but he’s still working (I go back on Monday) and is looking more and more tired every morning

I have no idea how I am going to make it after Monday when I go back to work  My students thought I had mood swings before….they have no idea

Getting Ready…

I am still packing my bags for the hospital. It would help if things I had ordered would come in faster! I have no idea what my hospital provides, so I am going on Karen’s list. I only have 2 nightgowns and both are nursing…I wonder if that is okay? Does anyone know what you actually deliver in?

Speaking of the hospital, I have decided to deliver at Mission Hospital. I go for the tour this Thursday. I have already pre-registered, just need to sign a form and fill out some Advanced Health Care Directive (scary!). That’s on my to-do this week. Tomorrow we go to a child care prep class at 9am, one on Jan 12–I think breastfeeding hehe (then bb shower after!!!) and   then the final child birth (prob the most important one) on Jan 19….so bb be good and stay in until at least then!

I am still debating on what is better–having bb early, possibly induced labor if he doesn’t come early on his own, with a vaginal delivery, or letting him go to full term and having a c-section? I am terrified of the v birth….for so many reasons, but then again c-section is a major surgery. I also have noticed w/ my coworkers that v births seem to lose weight faster—anyone else have any idea?

I feel I have so much to prepare—Sam is moving here Jan 13, so Jan is a busy month. Jan 12 baby class, baby shower, clean up, Jan 13 Sam here, Jan 14 work, Jan 15 need to take off to take him to placement test, register for classes, bank, find a car, apt, etc. I am sure that won’t all get done in one day so will need to do it over that week. I hope bb can stay in and hang in there–I can’t imagine him having to drive me to the delivery

[mood | excited/nervous ]
[music| Valen Hsu- Nan Ren Nu Ren]

New…
So glad to have new insurance now—no more Kaiser! No more asshole OB! Yay! I went to my first appt w the new OB today. She was super nice. Didn’t say anything about my weight gain–I have gained 19lbs so far–she was totally understanding, listened, helpful, etc. I feel comfortable having her deliver my baby.

Speaking of delivery….Dr. F said that I am actually not 34 weeks , but measuring at 35. Baby Ethan is HUGE too–she is guessing around 7lbs already and no, he’s not diabetic and neither am I. She said that my pelvis is too small to give birth to anything over 7 and a half, so if he carries to term I will need a C section since he will be around 9lbs!  Damn and those baby books say at 34-35weeks he’s only 5…..

So basically, if I want a natural birth she can induce me early if he doesn’t come out on his own early. Or if I carry to term I will need a C section. Hmm.

Other than that, I am already 1cm dialated

This week I am going to wash everything and pack my bags, after that it is just a waiting game. I better get my lessons planned through march, in case I have to leave right away, and maybe, just maybe my sub will follow them

I am really excited yet really nervous. It’s almost time!

Congrats to Wendy who delivered her baby girl, Chloe, this morning

[mood |sleepy ]
[music| Jay Chou- Niu Zai Hen Mang]

I actually don’t really like the song I listed, but it’s stuck in my head  lol

2008

Happy New Years Eve!!!!!! This is the first year ever that I am not going out partying for NYE. I remember last year Jeff and Chie were here from Chicago and Will was down from SF. Good times. I miss all the NYE’s in Ohio too. But this year is def no drinking and no partying. I don’t even think I will go out bc all the traffic, drunk drivers, etc. Everyone have a fun and safe night if you are out partying tonight!

How do you plan on bringing in the new year?

Speaking of the new year, 2008 is going to be a big year for me in terms of changes. It is the year I will be married (8/9/08), the year I will become a mommy (2/12/08 or before) and I have to make some serious decisions about my life. I think the biggest thing I am struggling with is just how to financially handle it all–and I see 2 options, and of course, I am going to share them with you  (seeking advice).

Option 1: Cali

Stay in Cali in our apt, both work full time, get day care.

Pros: Independence, good weather, great job (me), free medical dental and vision for all 3 of us w my work.

Cons: Expensive, day care costs, no savings, hard to pay off debts/daily life

Option 2: Ohio

We would have to move home w/ my parents at first. They’d remodel their upstairs to allow for a huge bedroom/bath for me and Charlie and a baby room next to it and hope to move out in one year or more to buy a house.

Pros: Free day care (even after we move to our own house), cheaper, can pay off wedding debt faster, no rent until we buy a house, can have our own house one day.

Cons: If I get a job it may not be full time since Chinese is new there, crappier schools (no computer, no white board, no cool classroom like I have now, no technology, kids are a pain in the ass, etc.), need to pay car insurance (his parents pay for us now), if I don’t have a ft job we have to pay for health ins too.

I am exploring both options to see what works. The scary thing is I have to give notice to my school by April if I am leaving and then Ohio schools may not even hire until summer! It’s a risk. I am also looking into applying for my PhD at OSU and working as a TA/RA and going to grad school. I figure w. the cost of college 17 years from now I better be getting some discount from somewhere for bb!

What do you guys think?

2008 Resolutions

I never write these, but here goes

1. Have an easy, fast, painless labor

2. Have a healthy baby

3. Be a good mom

4. Have my wedding

5. Be a good wife (this includes learning to cook  )

6. Spend less $ on stuff I don’t need (quit starbucks?!)

7. Save more

8. Lose all my pregnancy weight and get smaller than my prepregnancy weight

What are your resolutions?

Baby Update

So I am 34 weeks and have gained 18lbs. It’s funny, my mom had me at 34 weeks so I keep thinking about that.  If baby is born before Feb 7 (Chinese New Year) he will be a pig, if after a rat. Charlie’s family keeps telling me to have it before and jia you jia you (add oil)

My mood is changing. I have been hormonal lately–crying at everything (I was yelling at my mom and crying my eyes out yesterday at Burlington because they didn’t have the maternity sweats I wanted and my fat ass can’t wear the non maternity ones and it was her fault apparently) lol. I can’t watch tv, hear songs, etc. I have also become very needy…

Physically….I have had cramps all day and can feel poor bb is stuffed in there. I feel him trying to stretch out. Poor thing.  I hope bb stays in until at least Jan 19! I would like to switch over to my new doc (getting new ins Jan 1 and see new ob jan 2) and attend all my birthing classes first  I went to get 3D4D ultra sounds at 31-32 weeks so I could make my parents a book (from shuttlefly.com) w/ all my u/s pics so far and also a dvd for them to see bb. Here are some pics…

This is my fave. Look at that cranky face! Just like his daddy- seriously, Charlie makes this face a lot . And do you see his foot there in his face? He was so cranky by the 2nd time we went (he didn’t cooperate the first time) from the lady shaking my tummy to get him to move his hands off his face, that he curled up in half and stuck his foot there. lol

Again you can’t see his face very well….

I looked back at pics from 9 weeks and 18 weeks…he has his hands up there too!

18 weeks

9 weeks

Maybe he’s camera shy?

Jay Chou Concert

was awesome!!!! He’s sooooo good in concert, I wasn’t bored for a minute! Even Charlie liked it.  Those of you LA people who didn’t come Xmas eve really missed out!

[mood | relaxedsorta ]
[music| Jolin Tsai- Sun will never set ]

Sub- par

Today is the first day of bedrest I actually got to relax. Last week was ridiculous! On Thursday my work must have called me over 10 times. I was on email and the phone from about 7:30am-1am! I am not sure what part of bed rest they didn’t understand!!! My sub totally dropped the ball—she was supposed to be able to plan her own lessons for grades 7&8 by looking at my schedule, curriculum and past lessons.I have already planned out 6th grade for the whole year as well as elementary. Could she do it? Of course not. I had to plan out lessons, in class activities, tests, quizzes, homework, etc. up until Dec 21 in case I am not back to work by winter break. WTF?! In addition, I had to track down all the kids w/ missing work, send their parents emails, update Edline (school webpage), grade (she is still sending me grading home daily and I grade papers, input into the grade book and upload), etc. I sincerely hope that she learns to do all this before I leave for maternity leave—I won’t have time to do someone elses work while I am getting used to the new baby. Oh, did I mention I went in to work on Friday to help her out?

I guess I can’t complain too much though, at least she’s Chinese so my kids are learning something in class, not just watching videos. She did send home a packet of cards from my kids—super cute, they all wrote in Chinese things like I miss you, wish u and ur baby are well, come back soon, etc. Cuties

But seriously, it pisses me off that my sub isn’t covered while I am out past my sick days and on maternity leave, and I am paying her over $90 a day to hold her hand!!!! (the cost is only 90/day the first 10 days, then 110/day until 40 days and then a whopping 220/day after–basically I get no paycheck in the end!!!)

Weekend Wrap-up

After the stressful day at work, Charlie took me to get my eyebrows done and eat lunch. Then he dropped me off to do a mani/pedi. It was much needed relaxation. Then we came home and just hung out….I actually rested like I was supposed to. Oh and it was nice to come home to a clean house (thank you, Molly Maid)

Saturday was his company Xmas party. We ended up going, even though I had been off work (we’re not going to either of  mine though since I am off work) I think it’s coz it was 1. Chinese food and 2. (the real reason) they were raffling off a plasma tv  We didn’t win the TV but Charlie did win us  me a navigation system (it’s only fair to put one in the car I now drive since he drives mine that has a built in navi, I mean I am the one who gets lost anyways!!!) and some kinda warmer/chafing pot. It was nice to hang out w/ his brother Jason and his gf Grace, who is a total sweetie and we briefly saw his brother Russle (boss) and his wife May and their son Delan. Charlie was super cute playing w/ Delan. It was like the first time I actually saw him interact w/ kids  Delan was enjoying putting cheerios in Charlie’s mouth, but was confused why they kept popping back out. LOL. Oh, and we saw his parents there, too. Everyone said my tummy is huge, but sitting down you can’t tell I am preggo—the waiters asked me like 5x if I wanted beer, or a cocktail…. For the record, it totally sucks being the only sober person at a party….

Sunday we slept in until like 2pm! And did nothing all day! We have been watching the food network way too much. I think it makes me crave foods. And act on impulse (which later gets me yelled at by my OB!!!)
Speaking of cravings, someone, please, anyone, make me a TRES LECHES CAKE!!!!!!!!!  I had it at Felix’s Continental Cafe (cuban place in Orange, http://www.felixcontinentalcafe.com/index.htm ) a couple months back and OMG!!! yummmmy!!!!

Baby shower

It’s been moved to Jan 12!!! So if you had a December excuse now you need to come up w/ a Jan one  But we changed it since it happened to fall when I was still on bedrest and I can’t clean and get ready. So Jan it is—check your evites!

Baby Einstein -Chinese 小小愛因斯坦

Anyone know where I can get these DVDs but in Mandarin?

[mood | annoyed   ]
[music| Deng Li Jun- Feng Yang Hua Gu]

2 Weeks Bedrest

As if this doesn’t make me more stressed? *sigh…..Thanks a lot Dr. Asshole!