First week with Gabriella

Gabriella enjoying her naptime

Daddy and Gabriella at 3:30 in the morning, I had to capture this

Gabriella's first outing to the peditrician

Striking a pose

Gabriella at 1 week old

Gabriella's Birth Story

Let me first start out by saying that despite the way things turned out during my delivery I feel very blessed and even though my birth plan went out the window I have my beautiful sweet girl and that is what makes me incredibly happy. Some things are inevitable and that is one thing I learned in this process.
Gabriella Reese Collazo was born on Monday September 14, 2009 at 3:26AM. She was 8lbs 9oz and 20 inches long. The Saturday prior to this, Nunie and I decided to go to the outlets in Spring to walk all day. I wanted to progress a little more before my induction which was supposed to be the following Wednesday. We were at the outlets all day long and I got about 6-7 hours of walking. When we were driving home I started getting crampy but of course I was getting excited because I thought something must be happening. I cramped all night and also started spotting. This continued all day Sunday. However , one thing that I had noticed is that I hadn't felt baby move all day, even after meals. At 4pm I decided to call the hospital and they told me to go in so I could get hooked on the monitor and check everything out.

We arrived at the hospital and they got me all hooked up to the fetal monitor. The nurse also mentioned that I was probably going to be admitted. Although I was ready to have the baby I wasn't prepared to be having it that day or the next. The doctor came in and told me I would be staying since I was overdue and I was going to be induced that coming Wednesday anyway. And to add on they weren't too comfortable with baby's heart rate. The doctor told me I was going to be put on Cervadil to soften my cervix and we would start pitocin in the morning. Nunie left to get him something to eat and to make things worse he got Chipotle-my favorite. I was being tortured since I hadn't eaten since 2pm and it was nearly 8pm by now.

At 9pm they put in the Cervadil and I couldn't use the restroom for two hours-that was pretty hard to do! The nurse continued observing the monitor and then she came in and said I was going to get my IV just in case and they were still a little worried about the heart rate. I was then taken to get an ultrasound to see the baby's movement. After about 15 minutes we finally saw her move....we were getting pretty scared by this time. In the meantime we called our parents and let them know we were at the hospital but nothing was going to happen until the next day.

When I went back upstairs the on-call doctor came in and said that she was going to break my water...oh and contractions had started soon after the Cervadil was placed and with every contraction baby's heart rate would drop even more. When they broke my water I heard the doctor say "oh oh its Mec" she was talking about having Meconium in the water which means that baby was distressed. She then told us she was sorry but this had to result in a c-section (my biggest fear). She said she didn't feel comfortable with me laboring and baby being distressed. For some reason when they told me I was going to have a c-section I never once felt fear. I had this peace come over me and I was very relaxed. I think Nunie was very nervous we were going to the OR and about baby's condition. We called our parents and told them the status. My parents rushed to the hospital but by the time they arrived we were already in the OR. The anesthesiologist soon came in and gave me the epideral which was no big deal...it probably had to do with my contractions not being full-blown. My doctor was called and she arrived in a heartbeat.

I was taken to the OR and Nunie was brought in. The c-section was not bad at all. I could feel a little pressure and I could hear my doctor saying "there's a leg" "she's a big baby" "oh oh here she comes" and then I immediately heard Gabriella's cry. I just remember them immediately taking her away. This is another part that makes me very sad. Nunie wasn't able to cut the cord and she wasn't able to be placed on my chest. I know that these are the little things that really don't matter and her health was everyone's priority, but its something I would have wished for. Nunie left to go see Gabriella and then they both came in. They showed her to me and she was just crying.It was so beautiful to see her. I was overwhelmed with emotions. I couldn't believe I was finally holding my baby! I must have seen her for about two minutes and then didn't see her again for 16 hours.

Gabriella was put in the NICU because she couldn't maintain her body temperature (it was too low) and her heart rate was still low. I didn't know none of this. I was taken to recovery and there I was thinking after an hour they were going to take her to my room. I was then taken to my post partum room and Nunie came in. It was about 6:30am. They told us they would take her to our room later. We fell asleep and after we woke up that's when we found out that Gabriella was going to stay there for a little while longer. I wasn't allowed to go see her because I had to continue staying in bed to recover. Finally at about 7pm I was told that I could go see her. Nunie took me to the floor where she was at and I was able to see and hold my baby girl for the first time. She was in NICU for two nights and then got discharged to the regular nursery. The doctors indicated that sometimes it takes some babies longer to transition into their new environment especially with a (c-section) and to rest assure Gabriella is perfectly healthy little girl.

I on the other hand felt great right away. I had a really good experience with my c-section and the pain was never much more than discomfort even though I haven't taken my medication every few hours. I really didn't want to become too dependent on them and I've done fine since day one. I showered on my own since the second day after my surgery, walked just fine, and have had a lot of energy. I feel blessed to feel this way so I can take care of my sweet girl. To top it off I only have 10lbs left to shed.

This was a very difficult time for both Nunie and I. We never imagined that our birth story was going to turn out this way. It was a very scary experience. Those two nights were very hard and we were shedding tears instead of rejoicing. We really didn't know how serious her condition was but being first time parents everything seemed intensified. It meant the world to us for those of you who were constantly calling to check up on our status and even more for those who visited us at the hospital. Sure you couldn't see the baby because she was in NICU but Nunie and I needed everyone's support. This is the time when you realize who is really behind you.

Although my experience was not anything like I planned, I wouldn't change anything as long as Gabriella had a safe arrival. Being a mom is such an amazing feeling and this is only the beginning!

Welcome to the world Gabriella Reese!

Our baby girl Gabriella Reese Collazo arrived on Monday September 14, 2009 at 3:26am. She weighed 8lbs 9oz and was 20 inches long. She is beautiful and we are absolutely in love with her. She looks just like her daddy as the ultrasound pictures indicated...she's perfect! She loves to sleep on daddy's chest and hold on to his finger really tight...she's already a daddy's girl:) I constantly catch myself just staring at her and trying to take it all in, what can I say she's amazing. I cannot believe she's mine and she's here. We had been anticipating her arrival for 9 long months. I love you so much Gabriella, you have completely stolen mommy's heart forever!
It's been an eventful past few days at the Collazo's but so worth it. My Mom has been such a blessing in helping us so much. She has came over to cook and help us clean and even spent the night here last night so Nunie and I could catch up on some sleep:) I will post my crazy birth story once I have a chance to do so, that's if Miss Gabriella allows Mommy some time.

Gabriella is being evicted!

I had an ultrasound yesterday at my dr's appointment and like always everything looks great and healthy, which of course is our main concern. Fluid levels are good, the placenta looks good, baby's heartbeat is good, my weight has tapered off at 32lbs, and my blood pressure is good. With that being said, we're waiting until next Wednesday and if nothing happens by then, I'm being induced. So at least there's an end in sight. Gabriella looks nice and cozy in there. She was estimated to weight 8lbs 3 oz., so we'll see how accurate that really is. She has really chubby cheeks and was sucking her thumb-can't wait to hold her!
When the doctor checked I was 1 whooping cm dilated, and she stripped my membranes to see if that would help with progress. I was a little crampy afterwards, but that's it. This is all for now...We'll post an update if anything happens before then. It really feels like I'm supposed to be pregnant forever:)

Here's a list I found that I thought was a little amusing about what not to do/say to a pregnant woman...enjoy!

Dear Non-Pregnant Person, I hope you find these guidelines helpful in your interactions with pregnant women as failing to follow them may result in serious physical harm. If you are thinking, surely she doesn't mean me- then you should probably read this twice.

1) The appropriate response to a couple telling you they are having a baby is "Congratulations!" with enthusiasm. Any other response makes you an ass.

2) Through the wonders of science, we now know that babies are made ONLY by the mother and father- not grandparents. Unless the baby is in your uterus or you are the man that helped put it there, you may not ever use the phrase "my baby".

3) On the same note, unless you made the baby as defined in 2, the pregnancy, birth and raising of the child are not about you. You do not have input. No one wants to hear your opinion unless they ask for it. The same goes for the name of the baby.

4) The body of a pregnant woman should be treated the same as any other body. You would not randomly touch someone's stomach if they were not pregnant, nor would you inquire into the condition of their uterus, cervix or how they plan to use their breasts. Pregnancy does not remove all traces of privacy from a woman.

5) Likewise, no woman wants to hear comments on her weight- ever. A pregnant woman does not find it flattering that you think she is about to pop, must be having twins, looks swollen or has gained weight in her face. Telling her she looks too small only makes her worry that she is somehow starving her baby. Making such comments invite her to critique your physical appearance, and you may not act offended. The only acceptable comment on appearance is "You look fabulous!".

6) By the time we are 20-30 years old, most of us have picked up on the fact that the summer is hot. We are hot every summer when we are not pregnant. We don't need you to point out that we will be miserably hot before the baby comes.

7) There is a reason that tickets to L&D are not yet sold on Ticketmaster. Childbirth is actually not a public event. It may sound crazy, but some women really do not relish the idea of their mother, MIL or a host of other family members seeing their bare butt and genitals. Also, some people simply feel like the birth of their child is a private and emotional moment to be shared only by the parents. Like everything else in life, unless you receive an invitation, you are NOT invited. This includes doctor appointments, ultrasounds, labor, delivery, the hospital and the parents home. You do not decide if you will be there for the birth or if you will move in with the new parents to "help out". If your assistance is desired, rest assured that you will be asked for it.

9) If you are asked to help after the birth, this means you should clean up the house, help with cooking meals, and generally stay out of the way. Holding the baby more than the parents, interfering with breastfeeding and sleeping schedules and making a woman who is still leaking fluid from multiple locations lift a finger in housework is not helping.

10) The only people entitled to time with the baby are the parents. Whether they choose to have you at the hospital for the birth or ask for you to wait three weeks to visit, appreciate that you are being given the privilege of seeing their child. Complaining or showing disappointment only encourages the parents to include you less.



I hope this helps- it sure makes us feel better.

Signed,

All Pregnant Women

40 Weeks

Well my huge boobs continue resting on my over sized belly and I still can't see my feet. Yup, I'm still very much pregnant! Oh and as if I'm supposed to be overjoyed, today is my due date. Happy Due Date to me-not! This will be a very short post since I obviously don't have much to report. I've been feeling menstrual-like cramps since Thursday, but I'm sure that is nothing. Oh and one more thing. I'm not a believer of the "full moon theory" anymore. Thanks full moon, I saw the way you gazed into my eyes as if saying "haha, you're still pregnant". Ok that's enough for now. I think I will go find me something to eat-something comforting that is:)

We've got a stubborn little one.....

There wasn't much progress at yesterday's appointment. I still have not dilated and my cervix is still very "high"...ugh!I'm getting a little impatient, but most of all I fear to be induced or even worse to have a c-section. I really want to experience a natural or (vaginal) birth, but I guess in the grand scheme of things that doesn't really matter as long as baby and I are healthy. I'm still coughing like crazy so maybe its for "a reason" that my body is not doing what its supposed to.
I have an appointment next Wednesday, where I'm having an ultrasound done to determine what to do next. If baby is not too big and everything looks fine, she's going to let me go for another week and see if I can go into labor on my own. However, if baby is big we're going to start talking about a c-section.

I'm not overly uncomfortable in fact I'm still sleeping like a baby other than waking up to the bathroom every couple of hours. I'm up and walking with my students all day long and feel fine. The only thing bothering me is my cough-its a little draining because after a while I get a bad headache from straining myself. I feel no aches or pains so I'm not complaining. If I knew I would have an uncomplicated vaginal birth I promise I would remain patient. Its just running out of options that frightens me. I really hope its not in the genes. My mom had to have 3 c-sections because her pelvis bone was not wide enough to have her deliver vaginally- I'm still crossing my fingers this is not my case.
Either way we've done and will be doing everything to make this baby come soon. Some suggestions have been:
1. Have lots of sex- done
2. Eat spicy food- done
3. Walk-done
4. Sorry TMI-nipple stimulation-done

Believe me I will be out and about this Friday-its a full moon. Come on Gabriella, do it for Momma!

39 Weeks.....Still Here

We're 39 weeks pregnant today and still no signs of Gabriella coming any time soon. I think if it wasn't for this cough I have I would be feeling very anxious. I feel better than I did Thursday but am not at 100%. It's very frustrating because I never get sick and now it happens at the most unfortunate time. We've been hanging out all weekend not doing much just getting as much rest as possible and praying this goes away. I feel so guilty having to take my medication and knowing that it somehow has to affect my baby, but I also know I have to get better for her.

I go back to the doctor on Tuesday and I will see what she says then. I've been asked if I am going to be induced and unless it is medically necessary or I'm overdue, then it is not in the plan. The bags are packed and we'll will put them in the car this evening just in case we're not at home when I go into labor or my water breaks.

Thanks to Nunie he cleaned the entire house till it was spic and span. I guess I have to thank the Marines for "teaching" him to be thorough and precise when cleaning. So the house is also all ready for Gabriella. We're just all waiting...

P.S
I just ask that you say a little prayer so Momma can get all better and welcome this little girl very soon.
Thanks,
K

38 Weeks

Again, I'm a little late on posting my weekly post. We had a great weekend in Conroe. My parents came home from their cruise which they celebrated my mom's 50th birthday and we surprised her with a luau party at the lake house. Best of all Karen came in town after her deployment to spend time with mom-best surprise ever! My mom was so happy to see her and so were we.

Happy 50th Birthday Mom


Birthday Girl


Mom's face when she saw Karen-priceless


The five of us:P


Karina and Farid


Making pina coladas


They made virgin ones just for me


Hubbs and I with my big ole 38 week belly!


Mom and Gus


Even Paris participated


I started coming down with the flu on Tuesday and it has not been fun. My doctor prescribed me medication and I'm starting to feel a little better. I came home from work yesterday and stayed home today. So I guess if I'm blogging that tells me that I am in fact feeling better. I just pray that I get over this so I can be strong and healthy for my labor and baby. At Wednesday's appointment I still had not dilated and continued being 70% effaced. No MP plug yet which I'm looking for every time I go to the bathroom. My contractions are very sporadic so it looks like Gabriella will be making it until her due date, which for me is fine because it gives me more time to get better. Yesterday I was feeling menstrual-like period cramps and the inside of my thighs were very sore-again my body trying to prepare itself.

My week at school has gone very well other than me being sick. I think its going to be a great year. My kids are very pleasant and I look forward to this school year!

Thanks for checking in and we will update the blog as soon as Gabriella makes her debut:)

37 Weeks/We've got a full-term baby

Geez, I've really been bad about posting my 37 weeks post:P I started work on Monday and between that and getting things wrapped up for this little one, I've stayed pretty busy! We had our 37 week appointment and I still have not dilated but I'm 70% effaced. At least my body is starting to do its "thing". I hope I can have more progress at next week's appointment.
If I thought I was uncomfortable before, boy did I not have a clue! I'm really uncomfortable now. Not so much sleeping but just getting around and stuff. This past week my feet looked like little elephant's feet-I am not kidding! I guess all the standing up and getting things ready at work did it to me. It was a little painful too.
We finished the birthing and breastfeeding classes and we're both so glad we took them. Nunie proudly tells everyone that he knows "everything" there is to know about breathing techniques and breastfeeding:p We'll just see when he has to put it in practice. My hospital bag is about 75 percent finished...I still have a few more things to add and I finished my birth plan last night.

Nunie and I had went on a dinner/movies "date" before little one arrives and after the movies I had to indulge on a chocolate chip brownie with ice cream from Chilis...perfect night:)

In other news, I finally got a sub to cover my classroom for my maternity leave, which leaves me at ease because we still had not found anyone. I'm meeting my kiddos today and school starts on Monday. I plan to be at work until my water breaks, lol...I just hope it doesn't happen while I'm trying to teach 22 kindergartners!

Nursery Pics

Here is a sneak peak at the nursery. We still need to put the wood blinds, panels, and a framed picture from our maternity session on the wall....Enjoy~

View from the door

36 Weeks

I realize that I've been slacking on my posts and putting my pics up. I will catch up by this weekend. I'm 36 weeks and at our last appointment on Friday baby was not breech anymore. It's inevitable because I feel pressure in my lower stomach from time to time. This makes me very glad because I didn't like the idea of her being breech. We started the breastfeeding classes last Wednesday and our next one is tonight. It was very informative not only to me but they also geared a lot of the information to the partners/spouses as to how to help and be supportive during the first couple of weeks of breastfeeding and throughout. We also started the birthing classes on Sunday and we toured the hospital. We learned different breathing techniques and positions that are beneficial with managing pain during labor.

I've finished washing all her clothes, blankets, and crib set. The nursery is finished and Nunie just needs to put up the window panels and blinds. The nursery came out exactly how I envisioned it. I love spending time in there, organizing her things and such. We got this really neat paper-shade lamp that sets a very calm ambiance and that is exactly what I wanted to create for her. Again I will post pictures soon....I promise.

I started going back to my classroom and have started to set up and decorate. I got everything pretty much done except labeling the kids' tables and cubbies because I don't have a roster yet. Every year I have a theme in the beginning of the year to motivate the students and get them "into" the groove of things. This year my theme is "Wild About Learning". I've decorated the hall and my door with safari-themed animals. The beginning of the year is always exciting! It reminds me that Fall is just around the corner, which by the way they already have Fall decor out at some stores...how exciting!

Last thing...notice that we've taken out the "Elise" from her name badge at the right. We are considering another middle name that her aunt Corrine suggested for her...Corrine any guesses?

How far along? 36 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: + 29 yikes
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? None so far but yucky linea negra
Sleep: It's ok except getting up a few times during the night for restroom breaks
Best moment this week: Hearing my baby's heartbeat-finding out she turned
Movement: Kicks are stronger
Food cravings: Lemon-filled donut
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Not labor signs, but Braxton Hicks definitely have started
Belly Button in or out? Its as "out" as its going to get I think. i would call it flat
What I miss: Being able to bent over and get our of bed without a problem
Milestones: She turned!!

35/35

Notice the difference in the belly at 17 wks and 35 wks with the same pre-preg shirt on-yikes!



Today is 35/35, a pretty big milestone which means that I'm 35 weeks and have 35 more days to go. It seems surreal that this pregnancy is almost over and we will be meeting our daughter very soon. Her crib is put up and it looks beautiful! We are now waiting on the the accessories-the wooden blinds, window treatments, lamp, and glider but all should be in by next week tops. We've spent this past week doing more things around the house and shopping the rest of the registry which was super fun. We actually went to Target and finished the registry there, but now we need to get a few more things from Babiesrus. I've also been trying to enjoy my last two weeks before going back to work. I've been taking naps and really trying to enjoy them because they will be nonexistent once this baby comes! Today however, we had a pretty productive day. We (or I should say Nunie) but I helped also, painted the doors and trimmings of the house and worked on the yard. It was such a beautiful day, and many won't agree because it wasn't your typical sunny bright day-it was cloudy and a little breezy, but I enjoy that. It reminds me of my favorite season Fall- or Fall in Texas anyway. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy summer for the beaches, vacationing, boating and bbq's but nothing beats Fall. I love the cooler weather and changing leaves, pumpkin patches, football games, sweaters, buying mums for outside decor, eating chili, Halloween and this year will be even better with the arrival of Gabriella-it makes me so anxious!
Speaking of which she's definitely getting bigger and must be running out of room in my belly because I can see her body parts (not sure what) poking out-I think its like her elbow or something, but it feels pretty awesome. We've started playing lullabies from her Fisher Price waterfall peek-a-boo soother we got at our baby shower and she seems to like it, or least we get a response because she starts to kick-very cool. This is definitely some of the things that make pregnancy so amazing and I 'm making sure to cherish every moment of it because I'm going to miss feeling her inside of me once she's here-although I can't wait for that either.

How far along? 35 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: + 26 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? None so far but yucky linea negra
Sleep: No complaints
Best moment this week: Put her crib up
Movement: Kicks are stronger and see her poking at my belly
Food cravings: Hot fudge sundae brownie from Chilis
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No labor signs, but Braxton Hicks definitely have started
Belly Button in or out? Its as "out" as its going to get I think. I would call it flat
What I miss: Not having a huge belly (although serves a very good purpose:)
Milestones: Her nursery furniture being put up

34 Weeks

So here we are at 34 weeks along...its getting closer and closer until we meet our little one! With that said we still have a lot to do. I've made a list of things for Nunie to do before baby arrives, like paint the doors and trimmings of our house, clean our backyard, etc. I've been cleaning all the closets, throwing stuff away, and even had a garage sale this past weekend with Mom. I guess you can say the nesting has continued.

We had a Dr's appointment this past week and also a growth scan. Our baby girl is growing like she should and everything looks great. She's not measuring as big as my fundal height indicated. She's estimated to weight about 5lbs 4oz and that puts her in the 70th percentile, so a little big but nothing to worry about. However, she's breech and that has me worried as I do not even want to think about a c-section. My plans were to go as natural as possible. I guess some things you just cannot determine. I'm just praying that she turns..and I'm continuing the exercises my doctor recommended.
We've signed up for birthing classes and we will start them next Sunday. We will also be taking a breastfeeding class at my hospital and I will attend La Leche League Meetings coming up as well. I'm trying to do everything before school starts again!
Baby's room is about 90 percent complete, I will post pictures as soon as everything is ready. I have not started to wash anything yet, but I will do that right before I go back to work. I want things to be fresh for her:P We've started a new routine for Dora and Logan-they are now sleeping in the home office. Our room is just too crowded with us and two great danes on the floor. There have been several times I almost tripped over them while getting up for one of my many restroom trips. So last night was the first night in three years they didn't sleep with us and they did great (I think Nunie was more sad then they were, lol)!
Oh and one last thing. I officially got to experience "Sausage Feet Syndrome" on Saturday. I'd been outside and on my feet all day during the garage sale we had. In the evening we were going to dinner at la Strada for Jill's birthday and my feet did not fit into any of my shoes, it was pretty hilarious and a little painful. I drank plenty of fluids and propped my feet up-no more sausage feet for now:)

How far along? 34 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: + 26 yikes
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? None so far but yucky linea negra
Sleep: I'm not uncomfortable sleeping but I hate getting up a million times for restroom breaks
Best moment this week: Saw my sweet baby in the ultrasound
Movement: Kicks are stronger
Food cravings: None
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Not labor signs, but Braxton Hicks definitely have started
Belly Button in or out? Its as "out" as its going to get I think. i would call it flat
What I miss: Not feeling clumsy and slow, lol
Milestones: Growth ultrasound

33 Weeks/Shower

This past week has been great as I imagined, but also very busy. We were able to see the proofs from our maternity session and I think they came out great! My baby shower was this past Sunday and it turned out so beautiful. My mom, sister, and mother-in-law did such a great job with the beautiful decorations, delicious food, and awesome dessert bar my sister put together. Not to mention the tons of gifts we received from all our friends and family. We feel truly blessed. I had such a great time spending time with my friends and family, overall it was more than I would have expected! Here are a few photos:

Flower arrangements made by Mom and Karina


Yummy dessert bar


33 Weeks

With my beautiful Sister


Amanda and I


With Melissa and Jill


Dawn measring the belly


Tons of gifts


One of my favorite gifts from my aunt Liz


The furniture is in and we picked it up but there was a little problem. The crib headboard had a dint on it so we are getting it swapped for another one, ugh. I really wish everything was in and put up but oh well. Nunie and his dad did put up the dresser and hutch and it looks so good in there. Now I have to organize, wash, and nest for the next couple of weeks before I go back to work. Nonetheless, I will be very busy. I have a doctor's appointment on Friday and they're doing a growth ultrasound. This will ensure if baby is measuring big or not. Umm, I officially feel huge and I'm sportin a double chin...sexy:)So I have seven more weeks to get bigger and sexier, ha or not!

How far along? 33 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: + 25 yikes
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? None so far but yucky linea negra
Sleep: Can't complain could be worse, I just need help getting up:)
Best moment this week: having my wonderful baby shower and starting to organize her nursery
Movement: Kicks are stronger
Food cravings: Apple juice
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Not labor signs, but Braxton Hicks definitely have started
Belly Button in or out? Its as "out" as its going to get I think. i would call it flat
What I miss: Normal cute clothes, ugh
Milestones: Baby shower