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.  

Veteran's Day 2008

It's Veteran's Day and I'm of course spending it running errands. Currently, I am waiting at the Toyota dealership while my car is getting serviced. I must say I love being here, yep I said it...its out there. The people here are so pleasant and eager to please, they offer free internet, and not only is it clean but the waiting area is comfortable. It's nice to know that there are some places left in Miami where clients are treated as they should be red carpet and all. If anyone is in the market for buying a car, might I suggest buying  in the Toyota/Lexus family solely for the purpose of receiving their excellent customer service. 

On another note, I would like to say Thank You to all the US Veterans and to those who are currently serving in our armed forces. My family has a rich history of veterans, my grandfather was part of WWII . My brother and I loved hearing the many stories that my grandfather would tell us. Not to long ago he was published in a book with others from his Marine Regimen, in which they shared their stories of war. On my mother's side her father served in the Brazilian Military, but unfortunately I never got a chance to hear any of this many stories. I have had multiple relatives and close friends serve in many of our wars including this current one. 

My thoughts and many prayers go out to all those in past and

 present wars. If it weren't for those many men and women our country would not be what it is today. I take much pride in our current country, and look forward to what our new President Elect Obama has for our every changing government. I know that the Lord is truly in charge and have faith that things will be under control.

God Bless to all, and especially to our Armed Forces to whom we as a country salute today.

08 Election

My voting experience was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. Although, I waited in line for and hour and half it went by quickly. I do not know if it was the iphone movie  (hard days night; Beatles) or the fact that the poll workers where pleasant and helpful. Water was given out constantly and workers were organized and efficient. Unlike last time where chaos and trouble shooting with the new system ran havoc. At least workers explained how to use the system and gave out sample

 ballots in order to speed along the process. I'm proud to say I've completed my civic duty and I hope all of you who can vote do so. 

The Verdict Is....

Who should I vote for....

Or should it be....

You decide.

Wedding Planning 101

Its been about two weeks now since I got engaged, and boy has it been non stop. All of a sudden more work is piling up on top of trying to budget a wedding. Everyone has said its fun planning a wedding you will love it. Lies I tell you simply just lies. Since being engaged I've had to travel around Miami looking at churches, reception sites, and picking a date. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions is what I'm constantly dealing with. I keep on tell Rey that once we can decided on a church and reception site I will feel so much better. Hopefully by then end of this week it will all be done. I will keep you posted plus Rey has created us a lovely wedding website once its finished I will place the link up. Till then pray that all goes as planned and under budget. 

Engaged & Loving It!

So I know many of you have heard the exciting news that Rey and I are ENGAGED!!!  Anne Marie and him already posted blogs of the moment, but now its my turn to give everyone inside prospective.

Wednesday afternoon I rush home to get things ready for church that evening expecting Anne to help me out. I get out of the shower and notice like 50 missed calls from Anne (ok 5). She informs me that she's down the block at my park with a flat. I quickly throw on some cloths, thankfully it wasn't my usual run out of the house attire (pj pants, and ratty t-shirt) While driving I'm recalling the lessons my father taught me on how

 to replace a flat tire. I jump out of the c

ar walk around the truck twice and nothing. (Thinking) Why would this woman waste my time didn't she know I had things to get done like speak to Rey on ichat in 10 minutes.

After questioning her several times she begins to cry and I'm like what now so I go over to comfort her. She all of a sudden stops crying...but did I pick up on that NOOOO because I was obviously out of it that day. Mind you I pride myself on being on the ball and no one pulling a fast one on me. I was like puddy in their hands. I continually refuse to do anything Anne asks me to do, so she basically says look who's that and points towards Rey. I question him being there and once I got the nod of approval from Anne I was off like a sprinter in the Olympics. While running I contemplated jumping on Rey and finall

y decided just to go for it. Thankfully there was a graceful catch like that in ending scenes of Dirty Dancing.

I kissed him about a thousand times not allowing him to get a word in while thinking to myself why was he so shaky, wasn't he glad to see me. Then o

f course he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Which in turn was action for the water works from my eyes. I was so amazed, shocked, and awed at the same time that all the wonderful things he said went through one ear and out the other. I'm sure I said yes just don'

t remember. Thankfully, Rey was kind enough to tell me later all that he said so that I could remember it for keep sake. 

I still can't believe after watching the video(commentary is quite funny) that I didn't see nor hear Brigitte and Merari in the background the whole time. Seriously I was completely gone...their plan worked and sad to say I was fooled. (of course in an awesome way) Thank you to everyone who helped make this day special. I know many of you knew what was going to happened and managed to keep it secret, so thank you. Rey, I 

excited to be married to you and I can't thank G

od enough for your presence in my life.

Aspiring Photographer

Goofing around with Merari last weekend, we had the opportunity to take some silly photo shots. I thought it would be great for her to gain more experience and practice with her photography. The whole time we were laughing and fooling around trying not to draw any any attention to ourselves. However, I mostly was making fun of super models and their ridiculous poses especially when they crawl on the floor pretending to be some furious animal (grrrr.....). I never thought much of the pictures when we left. I told her have fun with them and do as you please. To my delight she really surpassed my expectations. Here I was thinking the whole time this poor child will never get anything beneficial from all my commotions. I must say GREAT JOB!!! I encourage anyone to spend some quality time with this aspiring photographer.

Merari my hat tips off to your tremendous work :) 

Back into the Swing of Things

Like always after every summer comes the adjustment period of getting back into the swing of things. I been trying to get used to the brutal awakening of 6am alarm beeping, 14 hour days that seem to never end, and added on stress levels. I guess in time my body will start to warm up to the idea of functioning before 9 am, seeing that my job kind of depends on my functioning abilities. Till then I am trying out new strategies of getting my body into a routine. I've decided to get myself back into shape, its a trying process in which I am dreading everyday. Thankfully others have more faith in me than I do, which in an odd way motivates me and allows my competitive side to come out. I'm just hoping that I see results soon, cause we all know how patient I am.

Translation Gone Wrong

The other day at work I learned an interesting lesson with languages. You see I can speak and understand portuguese, however my spanish is another story. Here is an example of what  I mean:

Child #1: Como se dice "Free Play" in Espanol?

Me: I don't know let me think (obviously said in spanish)

Child #2: Free Play of course (said sarcastically)

In my head I'm thinking, I know the word for play and free why not give it a try.

Me: Free Play es Juegar Gratis

Child # 2 &3: Haaaaaa....thats not right (as they die of laughter)

So I ask a co-worker of mine who is hispanic what the translation would be since I've already gone wrong. I tell her what I said and she smiled and chuckled slightly. 

Co-worker: Juegar Libre

Child #1: Ay Ok..gracias

Me: Oh that's right, "Free"has more than one translation, of course that was the better option. Lesson learned and noted.

At Last...It's Here!

Saturday while running around with Merari, we came across a favorite little place called Pollo Campero. That was the spot to be while in Guatemala on a missions trip. That's right when it was announced we were heading out on the town that meant Pollo Campero time. Seriously it beats our KFC here in the states. At last it has landed here in Miami of course only in Calle Ocho area, but I'll take it. Anyone who wants to join in on some good eating, just call me up.

1 Step Forward 2 Steps Back

Today I decided to exercise my civil duty and vote. Wanting to beat the crowds this upcoming Tuesday I read up on the candidates and the new voting system. Might I say this city seems to always be taking the wrong steps. Its like we take one step forward and two big steps backwards. 

1. We're back to bubbling in our vote. Problem: I know that some individuals will check mark the vote or "X" the spot.
2. We're adding more paper into the mix. Problem: What happened to our city becoming green.
3. The is an added process/step in order to vote. Problem: each machine cost thousands of dollars for a wasted system. 
4. In order to make a correction you must get a new ballot. Problem: First that means wasting more paper and second there was nothing wrong with the finger touch system we used before. You were able to preview your vote on the screen and correct the mistake before pushing the big red vote button.
5. The last step is scanning your bubbled ballot. Problem: You have to type in a code given (extra step) then wait for the machine to say that everything is ok. If not you can either leave it as is or get a new ballot thus more paper. 

Our county has spent tons of money on a system that can be far more confusing than the old one,  less environmentally friendly, and not time efficient. I think it would of been better if we came up with a system that used our old electronic one with a paper trail added feature. Next thing you know we will have new voting system come this presidential election.

Tracking of the Heron

How often do we focus on the negatives of a natural disaster. Today I was enlighten by the beauty that comes with such disasters. To my surprise a white Heron flew into my front yard. Never have I  had a chance to get up close and personal with a heron or any other bird of that matter. I was able to walk behind him and finally get close enough to see him snap a lizard off a tree and eat it. The heron wasn't even shocked how close I was. We exchanged glances or what I would call a slight nod. It was nice to see God's creation in the midst of a storm.

 

Blockbuster's Feable Attempts to Increase Business

Yesterday while in line at blockbuster Merari and I came across the candy isle. Of course the put the overly priced candy right next you while waiting patiently (aka forever) in line. Apparently, that tactic hasn't been working well enough, so they decided that Cocoa Pete's chocolate would be the solution. I'm wondering, do the university marketing departments teach that moan inducing chocolate would be the answer to plummeting sales?

Slava's Snow Show

The Alves-Daily Family and the De Armas Family experienced Slava's Snow Show this past weekend. My mother happened to catch a glimpse of it on on Globo and thought it would be neat if both our families went to it. So we all ventured out expecting something along the lines of  Cirque du Soleil, but instead we got something completely different.  The show is a mix of clowns focusing on pantomime, crowd involvement, and human reaction. It is a must see event, and experience unlike no other. Rey could not stop laughing at the simplicities of clowns falling out of a chair. Slava has a way of triggering your inner childhood yet adding a feel modernness.