Labor and Delivery

Zoë Ella De Armas

2/11/11

7 lbs. 11 oz.

20 in.

So it’s been a month since little baby Zoë was born and things are starting to fall into routine. I say that loosely since everyday is an adventure. I absolutely enjoy being a mother and would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Although my birthing process didn’t go as expected it was still worth every moment. Some have asked me to share my experience as to gain some perspective. My first piece of advice is: No that anything and everything can change on a moments notice. Its great to have a birthing plan, which mine was have the baby, just know that it might not happen that way and be prepared to handle it. So here goes:

Thursday night we headed to bed and I began to feel some pain along the lines of painful period cramps. I ignored it since I have a high pain tolerance and I was determined not to be the pregnant woman who goes to the hospital only to have false labor and be sent home. So I decided to download a contractions app that would help me measure the length of each contraction and their frequency. While my husband was asleep I was using this handy device. At around 2:00 am I prayed to the Lord to show me a sign since my contractions where consistent at times and at others all over the place. He delivered, my next contraction was so painful that I woke up Rey and said its time. Once we arrived at the hospital my contractions were 2 minutes apart and I was only 3cm dilated. They decided to admit me since I was having consistent contractions. I was admitted at 4 am into a labor and delivery room. I had decided to have an epidural so I received it and believe me it was well worth it. Honestly, it didn’t hurt since I had already been through painful enough contractions. The one thing you do feel is a cold sensation go down your back as the medicine is being injected. I oddly enjoyed the sensation, what can I say I’m weird like that. Once the medication took effect, which was in seconds, I was in a state of bliss. Rey and my family would look at my contractions on the machine and I wouldn’t feel a thing. My doctor finally came in to break my water around 8am. Breaking your water doesn’t hurt and they use this breaking technology to do it, a long stick with a point, seriously breaking technology. She checked me an I was still 3cm. She (my doctor) decided to let my body do its thing, which I appreciated since some doctors try to push their agenda on you. Around 11:30 I still hadn’t dilated any more so the decided to give me Pitocin. At 3pm I had dilated to 4-5cm so I was making progress but very slowly. So they raised the amount of pitocin. My doctor came back in at 5pm and noticed I had moved to 5cm. I really didn’t want to have a c-section because it was major surgery, the recovery was longer, and it may jeopardize me every having a chance to have a true vaginal labor. My doctor advised me that Zoë’s head wasn’t turning into position and my cervix was opening enough for her to come through. I had already been in labor 16 hrs and 10 of them without my water. At this point I had to think about what was best for my little girl and put aside my wants. I didn’t want to put her under any more stress that labor can cause. So I was prepped for surgery and was told about what would take place and the recovery room. Surgery was great…which is odd to say. The medical staff assisting my doctor was amazing. I was laughing at their jokes while they maintained their professionalism. I didn’t feel a thing; in fact I was shocked when one of the staff said they’ve already cut into you. Five minutes or so after they began I heard my child cry and Rey was by my side and I just couldn’t help but cry along with her. The overwhelming sense of love came over me. They cleaned her up and Rey cut her umbilical cord and I was able to hold her while they were sewing me up. We were able to take our first family photo. The surgery took a total of 45mins and I was sent to the recovery room for a 1.5 hrs. I was able to see my little girl again around 11pm since they had to take her to the nursery and do their thing.

Although, things didn’t turn out the way I planned I am still so thankful for the precious gift the Lord has given to Rey and I. I hope that my story helps someone understand the labor process and c-sections.

THIS IS ME!

I can't believe its been over a year since I last blogged. I'm actually surprised I'm even on this right now. I'd figured after a few odd comments posted in languages I've never seen, it should be a hint to either delete the whole thing or do something, so here I am. Not quite sure where to begin,

I've lost some friends, gained some friends, but best of all I married my best friend. 2009 wasn't my favorite year to date, but it did help to have my husband along side for the ride. I can only imagine what this year will bring. Excitement for the things to come, worry for the things to come, honestly I haven't changed and probably never will. Not knowing is the worst for me, I'm a planner, just ask my husband. I can't do surprises because I ruin every one of them, and yet I want to be surprised. Thus the paradox of my life...pray for my husband cause this can only get worse..or maybe this will be the year of change????

Really...who am I kidding. This is me!

Let the New Year begin :)

Mad Dash

This upcoming weekend my mother, aunt Mickey, and myself will be taking a road trip up to Louisville. You might be thinking wait you're moving already, but don't get your britches in a bundle. Since Rey and I acquired some of our gifts at the engagement party we thought it would be wise to start moving it up, plus it was another excuse for me to see Rey. 

After Rey moved into our new apartment this past week, we noticed our place looked a little on the empty side, so Ikea it was. Yesterday my mother, aunt, and myself ventured over to the land of European wonder. Upon arrival we discovered that there were only 3 left of our love seat. My aunt said we better make a run for it. Before I knew it we were off on a mad dash  like that of Supermarket Sweeps. I used to love watching that show. Luckily we found our love seat and only two were left. My mother on the other hand was no where to be found, which meant my aunt an I had to lift, move, and pack the sofa ourselves. Mission accomplished! Now we could go back and look around, enjoy our time, and grab our last item the TV stand. After 3 hours at IKEA I picked up some noble tips:

-wear tennis shoes (flip flops just slide around when moving heavy furniture)

-have time and patience (in other words don't go when they are having a promotion)

-think outside the box (book stand on its side makes for a cool coffee table or TV stand)

-be ready to spend (once you see all your options you want it all)

-take advantage of the store (aka seat on the furniture when tired...test it out wink wink)

-make use of their employees (there is something to be said about men moving furniture)

Now comes the fun part, trying to pack our furniture, gifts, and ourselves in the car for a long 17 hour car ride. This should make for an interesting blog post. Stay Tuned.

Our Engagement Party

Since Rey and I have been running around like looney tunes trying to get errands done while he was in town, I postponed writing blogs for two weeks. Now that things are back in the swing of things I can find time to sit, relax, and write.

Before Christmas Rey's loving parents threw us an engagement party inviting all of our dearest friends and family. I know we had a blast spending time with people we haven't seen in awhile, and catching up on moments we missed. Our only complaint the next day was, we wished we could of spent more time with people. I constantly felt like I was table hoping from one group to another. To those of you that I didn't get a chance to really invest my time with I'm sorry and I do appreciate you being there. Rey and I are luck to have you in our lives and hope that the Lord continues to pour blessing into your lives. 

Great food (paella), good conversation, and hours of laughs, Rey and I were spent. Who knew how exhausting it would be taking on the role of center of attention to everyone. Even for me who's and extreme extrovert was wiped out, I can only image our wedding day. Thank you to all who attended and making our day special. 

I promise...

I know its been ages since my last blog, and many of you having been asking me to update...no names Kristel :) Honestly, I've been enjoying my time with Rey and family and blogging just hasn't been a priority of mine. I promise that once I return to my regular routine I will have plenty to blog. Happy New Year to all and may the Lord continue to bless your families. 

.....see you soon!

IT'S HERE!

Finally, after everyone asking our website it up and running. A big thanks goes out to Wilson who helped get the site going. Check it out and look for updates on the wedding, photos, and blogs. Hope you all enjoy it.

www.reyandlauren.com

A Prayer Answered

Today after running around like a maniac completing 1,001 errands, I received a special surprise via the postal service. The Common Wealth of Kentucky sent me a letter. To my delight is was my teaching certificate for their state. I was in complete shock, not less than two weeks ago I sent out my application to gain my certificate. After reading and rereading it again to make sure my precious eyes(and by precious I mean strained) weren't playing games on me, in pure excitement I forgot there was a table in front of me and managed to bang my knee on the way up of my leap. Of course my brother and mother currently watching a "stupid" movie turned and shhhhhed me. I tried to show my mother who wasn't having it, my certificate, only to be turned away.  No one was around to share in my pure joy, so here I sit writing to my fellow readers, in hopes of someone understanding my happiness. 

On another note: The Lord is great! How often I forget what he is capable of doing. Not only did it take the State of Florida 2 months to mail me a letter from my file, they hassled me about getting it done. The Lord heard my prayers as he always has and made it possible for the Common Wealth of Kentucky to process my paperwork in a jippy. Lately, as many already know, I've been stressed out about gaining a job in Louisville once Rey and I are married. Our struggling economy only increases my fears. I was blessed once with my current job which truly was a miracle from the Lord. Leaving at times seems crazy, but I know its time for me to make a new mark somewhere else. Please continue to pray for Rey and I as we embark on marriage and starting a new life together.