As coco approaches three and a half months, and Isaac three years and three months, the both have an enormous amount to say. There is constant chatter around our house, delightful squeals and coos and laugh out loud comments that keep us on our toes. Coco had just found her voice, and loves to add to conversations. When she is in the swing she talks with delight, and tests out the different noises she can. Her tongue is constantly moving around as she explores the world through sound.
Isaac has become very interested in story telling. He loves when David and I make up stories about random and silly things, and loves to tell us stories in return. He has begun narrating when he is playing with his toys, cars have become characters in a plot, and his 'friends' interact throughout the day. He enjoys role playing. Most often I hear him acting as a teacher, or a parent telling his 'friends' to make a night night, or to sit down in a circle. At a recent playmate I noticed a huge shift. He is now interacting with his friends instead of playing alongside of them. The make up scenarios of something chasing them, of monsters and dragons, of 'scary' things, and of adventures and missions to accomplish.
Some very funny things Isaac has said:
"Mommy, do you hear this instrument... it is a trumpet".
"Mommy, do you know that green thing I have. Its a marhonica. Daddy has a box of 'marhonicas'. We play them together, but not too loud because it will wake Coco."
"Mommy, your hair looks dirty today. You need to shower. I know that may make you sad, but I will give you a hug'.
"Mommy. its January, and its summer." No Issac, it is March and it is spring. "NO! Mommy! I know. It is January and it is summer. Lets go swimming."
Isaac has also been very interested in describing other peoples body types. We walked by a lady recently and Isaac informed her that she was 'fat'. David and I looked at eachother and tried to figure out how to best handle it. We told him that everyone has different types of bodies, and that fat was not a nice word and would hurt the ladies feelings. Now every time he sees an overweight person he says "Mommy, that person has a different type of body." Urg. I guess it is better than the alternative.
Both of our little pip-squeaks have had their visits to Dr. Shulman in the past week, and both of them are growing and developing beautifully. Isaac had his three year check up, and Dr. Shulman told us that he didn't recognize Isaac's personality. He was so much more outgoing and engaging, and very much a little boy. He was 34 pounds and 38" tall. Apparently he is 'long and lean' at 75% for height and 60 for weight. Hard to believe it is the same 5 pound baby I gave birth to. At home Isaac has been very emotional. He is up and down. Sweet and difficult. He is occasionally having potty accidents at school and in the mornings, but not often. He is being woken by his little sister and it seems every morning there is a party of four in our bed. It is my favorite part of the day. Isaac loves Bob Marley, especially "three little birds". He LOVES to dance, and tries to snap his fingers. He has started tennis lessons, and is beginning to be able to draw shapes and figures. He is doing better with recognizing his alphabet, and is very much enjoying school and his friends.
Coco weighed 9lb 3 oz at her three month checkup, up exactly four pounds from her birth weight. She is smiling and loving. She has been waking only once in the night, and in no longer in the swaddle. She has found her thumbs and uses them often. She is cooing, making great little noises. Her hair is growing daily, and her personality developing.
I am so grateful to have to healthy and beautiful kids. Watching them grow up is more amazing than I ever could have imagined. Seeing the little moments of their interactions, and Isaac's obvious love and care for her melts me. He always wants to make sure she is included, and cared for, and doesn't like to hear her cry or fuss. I cant wait to see them start interacting and playing with each other.
Coco is now two months old. At her two month checkup she weighed in at 8lb 6oz, and was 20" long. After complaining to Dr. Shulman about our lack of sleep, he suggested we let her cry for 10 minutes at night. We decided to follow his advice, and her sleep has dramatically improved. We are down to two feedings a night. She usually wakes at 12:30 and we let her cry, then she goes back to sleep until 2. Then she wakes around 5:30. Then 7. It seems so much more manageable than a week ago when she was waking every 2-3 hours. I think we are on our way to better nights ahead.
The improved sleep has also made for a much less cranky Coco during the day. She is smiling and cooing. There isn't as much crying between feedings, and she really is becoming a little person. We adore the first hour of the day where she is all smiles and a love to be around.
Now that she is sleeping better, and showing a little personality it is much easier to picture a very happy future with this little lady. I feel excited to watch her grow and develop. As I slowly regain pieces of myself in this process (cooking a meal, baking, exercising, getting my body back) life feels like it is heading towards a new normal.
It is a known fact that six weeks is the peak of fussiness for babies. As we are entering our seventh week, I am happy that we have made it through. Coco has gone from being fussy at any time she is awake, to being fussy when there is genuinely a reason to be (hunger, tired, gassy).
As luck would have it as soon as we got past the colicky fussiness, she got a cold, and is now back to being fussy. Poor little thing cant breathe out of her nose so she struggles to latch on while feeding, and she just seems genuinely miserable. We are hoping this too passes sooner than later.
On the bright side we have started to get some smiles as she becomes a more social being. She is so different than Isaac in the sense that she doesn't want to be left out of the action, and is super aware of her enviroment. She seems to be more of a mommy's girl, and cares very much where she sleeps and who puts her to sleep. I can tell she is going to be (and already is) firey, and particular. I suppose some of this is the fact that she is a girl, and very much her own little person.
The sleeping has been pretty rough. As she has become more aware of her surroundings she is having a harder time falling back asleep and is up for long stretches in the middle of the night. With the addition of a cold, the nights have been long and difficult. We have moved her into her own room because she seems to be a lighter sleeper and we were waking her as we got into bed at night. This hasn't seemed to make a particular difference in her sleeping for the better or worse. It is nice to have our bedroom back, and I think it is good for her to start sleeping in her own space.
On top of all of this I have been struggling with clogged milk ducts and last week, mastitis. It has made for a challenging couple of weeks, and I believe is very much my bodies way of saying... slow down! I have been hard on myself and getting very little rest between taking care of the kids, exercise, house keep, etc. I have been trying to take a little time for myself this week, but as any new mother of two knows... this is virtually impossible.
My hope the for my next entry is that we are getting more sleep, and that Coco is feeling back to her healthy self. It is awful seeing her upset and sick. I know once i feel somewhat rested the world will seem a little brighter.
With each day it seems Isaac is becoming more and more independent. The last few mornings he has been waking up early and trying to run through his beloved morning routine all on his own. We hear bits and pieces of it as we lie in bed thinking... oh no, what kind of disaster are we going to awaken to. No doubt, it is a messy process, but it is also adorable, and important. Yesterday we heard him get out of bed, go pee, flush the toilet. Then he went back into his bedroom and started to play. He found the 'airplane backpack' where we keep wrapped treats for long trips, and he proceeded to unwrap a few toys for himself. He then brought us a beloved cars coloring book and asked if he could use it. David came into the living room and suggested some other less messy independent play toys, and then came back into the bedroom. Isaac decided he wanted cereal and went into the cupboard, got it and a bowl, and poured it for himself, and all over the floor. This morning we awoke to him pooing in the bathroom by himself, dumping his potty contents in the toilet, washing the basin, wiping (???), then unable to get his footsie pajamas back on, he decided he needed new pjs. Got a step stool, went into his drawers, found a pair of pjs that suited him, and got changed. All of this new confidence and ability is amazing. I love watching the delight in his face as he accomplishes new skills and celebrates the journey. Who knows what tomorrow morning will bring.
At Coco's three week check up today she weighed in at 6 pounds 7 ounces, a whopping 20 ounce weight gain in 17 days. Considering I am feeding one side per feeding, I am now convinced I am producing a monster amount of milk. Coco is choking on the milk at the start of each feed, and seems gassy and uncomfortable after several of the feeds during the day, but at least she is thriving and growing. Dr. Shulman recommended pro-biotic drops to help with the gas and fussiness. He thought they may or may not work, but that it was worth a try.
Over this past week we have celebrated Isaac's birthday, had our first visit from Barb, Paul, and Andrew, along with a visit from Auntie Leila, and had Coco's baby naming along with our annual Hanukkah party. It has been a whirlwind of events all which individually are wonderful but in combination has left me feeling really exhausted. Over this next week I am looking for some much needed rest and relaxation with our little family of four.
The baby naming ceremony was beautiful and Rabbi Johnson/Weizmann was lovely. The names we chose for our father's mothers reminded us of those who have paved the way before, and those we are honoring today. Both were beautiful and powerful women who we only hope our Mayim takes after. The name Mayim means water, which reminds us of life, vitality, nature. As we chose Coco for beautiful creative powerhouse women (aka gabriel chanel, koko taylor), mayim reminds us of the matriarchs of our family that allow us to be who we are today.
Our little guy, three year later...
Now having a newborn in my arms while celebrating his third birthday, I am reminded how far we have come in such a short amount of time. The way he can articulate his thoughts and feelings, carry on a conversation, describe experiences and emotions, and ask questions continues to surprise me. Lately he will continue to ask the same question several different ways until he is satisfied with the answer. This is usually centered around his lack of understanding of time.
Me: Isaac would you like to go to the beach house?
Isaac: Now?
Me: Tomorrow. First we will go to Bubie and Papu's house in Westlake, then to the beach house.
Isaac: Will I go to Westlake now?
Me: Yes
Isaac: Will I go to the beach house now?
Me: No, tomorrow.
Isaac: After this night night?
Me: You will have a nap, then a night night, then you will go to the beach.
Isaac: But will I go to Westlake?
This type of conversation could carry on endlessly until he was satisfied. It has become our goal to be as specific as possible, and try to find new ways to describe time and space.
He has also become fiercely independent since the birth of Coco. He wants to go to the bathroom on his own, doesn't want you in the room. Want to get dressed and undressed, put toys away without you helping, get shoes on and off, get in and out of the car seat... it has been a welcome and refreshing reaction to having a little one around. Much better than regression I suppose.
He loves his little sister and is very curious about her. He likes to lay with her, and hug her, and sleep next to her. So far no signs of animosity.
He is still VERY into trucks and cars, with a new found love of puzzles. He is very good at putting them together, and loves for us to watch. He is riding a tricycle on his own, drawing better everyday, and role playing with toys.
At three years he is a joy, a handful, and very much a little person. He is handsome and sweet with piercing blue eyes, both mellow and rambunctious depending on his mood. Very clear about his wants and needs. More outgoing than ever before, social at school, kind to his classmates, teachers, cousin, and sister. He shows empathy, compassion and understanding for others. Knows when to apologize and very much understand right from wrong. I feel proud for the little person we are raising. He is most importantly a very good person, a very kind person, a very observant person, and a very sensitive soul.
We love you I L S. Happy 3!
As a family we (or perhaps the needs of a restless toddler) have been pushing ourselves to venture out and do the things that make us feel good. We have introduced Coco to long walks around our neighborhood, the park, restaurants, and this past weekend lunch and the beach in Malibu. It was unseasonably warm, and Isaac was able to run around in the shallow water while we took some photos that will remind us of this time for years to come.
Getting four people ready and out of the house is noticeably more difficult than it used to be. Before Coco arrived we were a well oiled machine. Our responsibilities were consistent, and of course we had two adults to our one little guy. Now with our one on one defense we seem to be managing, but it requires David to handle Isaac on his own (which at this point takes a whole lot of energy) and for me to do most of the basic care taking and feeding of Coco (which also takes a whole lot of energy). Unfortunately we are coming at the task with very little energy, so the whole project can be quite a challenge. In the end we are always happy we made the effort, and it feels good to be going and doing. With each day it gets a little easier, and we become a little more adventurous. With David back at work, and both kids under my wing... we will see which way the wind takes us.
I cant believe it has already been a week since Coco was born. Each day since her birth has been rich with love, family, and togetherness. In so many ways life has simply moved forward, plus one. Having a second child has been such a different experience than having our first. I feel more relaxed about much of the process. I am not as schedule driven. Flexibility is paramount while running Isaac around town. I am less disturbed by the lack of sleep I am getting knowing that it is such a short part of the overall experience. I am way more able to live in the moment an relish at every little detail... even the unpleasantries seem vaguely pleasant.
Where it becomes harder is balance. Isaac has seemed to adapt quite well to having a little sister around. He is inquisitive about her whereabouts and noises, and kisses her occasionally, unprompted. Most of the time he seems neither here nor there about her being around. After the first time he held her, he asked us to put her back so he could watch mickey. He has been enjoying celebrating Hanukkah with a little sister, and opening her tiny gifts. I have taken her to pick him up at school, and we have all ventured around town doing the things that make us most happy. He seems patient and understanding... for now. I am probably having more trouble than he is. In many ways I feel disconnected from him. The things I used to be able to do others are having to help out with. I cant take him and pick him up from school every day, I cant be there physically every time he wants me. Nursing Coco means a lot of time tied up with a little one attached. He seems to understand the necessity of it, but I so often wish I could divide myself amongst them both. I know with time this too will change.
My recovery has been fairly quick with lingering troubles. The cramping that I was experiencing at the hospital has ceased, but has been replaced by knife like pain in a ligament attached to the uterus. My milk came in with a vengeance which led to the expected engorgement and discomfort. One breast has settled out, the other I am still having trouble with. Similarly to when I nursed Isaac I had to switch to feeding one side per feeding. I am going to give that a go and hope it clears up the pain.
We took Coco to see Dr. Shulman for the first time this week. She was back up to her birth weight. 5lb 3oz. He thought she looked beautiful, and wanted to see us again in two weeks.
She's finally arrived! Seems like we both had a similar plan for when a good entry date into the world would be. I had scheduled induction for Monday morning at 8am, and Sunday afternoon / evening the contractions began. It wasn't until our attempt at a last family dinner at Olivia on Sunday night that the contractions became consistent at seven minutes apart. After getting home and showering I decided to wait it out and see if they got any closer together. It wasn't until two in the morning that I decided its go time. We called mom and dad, and waited a nerve wrecking forty five minutes until they arrived and we could head out. I arrived at the hospital at 3am, was hooked up to IV fluids by 4am, checked by a nurse and was 1.5 cm dilated, pitocin started by 4:30am, majorly serious contractions until 7:30 am when I finally gave into the epidural, 30 minutes later I felt pressure and was checked and fully dilated. Dr. Rabin had to be pulled out of his surgery to quickly rush me into a delivery room. Stirrups flew up, half a push later baby flew out. It was a whirlwind for both me and Coco. Her breathing was quick at first so they continued to monitor her. She came out a blueish shade of purple but turned rosey pink within minutes. She weighed in at a petite 5lb 3.5oz and 19" long.
We spent 24 hours in the hospital, and after she quickly passed all of her tests were discharged. It is so wonderful to be home and to have our family of four finally together. Big brother seems to be adjusting to his new world, both curious and excited. He calls her 'my baby' and continues to ask where she is, what she is doing, why she is doing it. He mimics her funny little hands and mouth, and seems pretty enthralled as are mom and dad.
With my milk finally coming in, the sleep situation hasn't been all that bad. She is very easy to settle, and latched on immediately after delivery. She has been making things very easy on us.
I think I can speak for every member of our family in saying we are totally in love with Coco, and having so much fun getting to know her each day. She has rounded out our threesome into something much greater than we ever imagined, and this is only the beginning.
Here we are, half way through week 38. I cant believe it has finally arrived. My physical state has definitely been trumped by my emotional one. Feelings of excitement and anxiousness have overwhelmed all the aches and pains, contractions and back aches, and the general 'ick' state. I have kicked into high nesting mode trying to get everything ready before the baby comes. Cleaning and organizing, wrapping and folding, preparing... I am sure that this all helps me feel like I am gaining some control over that big unknown in front of me, but the reality is there is no control to be had.
At my last and final doctors appointment, I scheduled my induction for Monday December 7th @ 8am. It is quite possible that I could go naturally before then, as I am already starting to dilate, efface, and the head is 'right there'. It feels good to see the end, and to be able to prepare for it. With Isaac being unable to visit the hospital I wanted to make sure to make careful arrangements for him. This will allow me to feel like loose ends are tied up, and that things are as organized as they can be given the situation.
Friends and family have been so supportive during these past couple of weeks. It has helped me to get through, and to stay focused.
This will be my last pregnancy post, most likely ever, so in closing I will say... thank you. Thank you to my body for getting me through, to my family for carrying some of the weight, and to the precious baby growing inside of me.
Each kick reminded me, I was never alone.
What a wonderful thanksgiving weekend we spent as our family of three. I think each of us sensed that this time is coming to an end, and of course is coping in our own way, but having the time to just be and to spend together was magical.
Isaac has noticed something is going on for a long while now. How could he not? There is a new nursery next to his room, baby toys and swings have moved in, mommy's belly is becoming 'enormous' and there is lots of talk about baby. He typically doesn't want to engage in discussion about the baby unless we ask him what he wants to show her, or teach her. He is very interested in showing her his trucks and toys, and all of the things he likes to play with. He is not so interested in discussing her needs or her behaviors.
I have noticed in the past two weeks that he has become extremely clingy to me. This is very unusual as he normally gravitates to David... but there has been A LOT of 'mama, mama, mama' being shouted around the house. He has not wanted to spend his afternoons with Natalia, and if he knows that 'mama' is in the house' he just wants me. He is giving a ton of hugs, and kisses, and wants to be physically close which is a big shift for our fiercely independent little guy. When he wakes up from his naps he wants to cuddle and be close. He tells David and I 'I love you' hundreds of times a day, randomly and intentionally. It is so incredibly sweet that I dont want it to end. He is crying instantaneously over everything and anything. He is very on edge, and very much wants things laid out for him, and predictably so. He wants to know what is happening every hour of every day, where we are going, what we are doing. Perhaps this helps him feel in control of the unknown. I know that he doesn't have a great sense of time, so I am sure that he feels that the impending 'baby bomb' could happen at any minute.
It will be very interesting to see how he reacts to the baby once she is home. My guess is there will be a fair share of ignoring her, lots of acting out, some regression, and perhaps even anger and sadness.
As each member of our family is coping in different ways we have all been there to support each other as we transition through this time of change. I think we all believe it is OK to marinade in whatever emotion is striking us that day, and for the most part we have given each other leeway and space to just be. It is in this support and love that I know that our new number four will make more rich what we have already created. Her presence can only weave in more lovely layers to our tight knit little family unit. To her I say we are ready for you. Welcome baby girl... and I am sure with time Isaac will say, 'I love you'.
I have been meaning to post this for a while. Here are the results from the baby poll we did for the little seamonkey at the baby shower. I was just looking back at the one we did at Isaac's baby shower which was even more fun because I didn't know the sex. Seems like lots of people thought we were having a girl. I will make sure to post the winner her once the baby is born.
Wow. I am now down to thinking about the time left in weeks and days. Just about two weeks to go, and we are going to meet this little lovely. Up until this point I have been aching to get her out just because I find pregnancy so miserable, but last night as I got into bed and realized that I could count in 'teens' the number of good nights of sleep I had left... I thought maybe she should stay in for a long while more. Then I lay down to begin reading my latest joy 'Snow Flower and the Secret Fan' and she started pummeling my innards, I thought again... get out. Eviction is coming little lady. And again this describes the emotional ups and downs, and ins and outs of pregnancy.
This week we started our weekly visits at Rabin's office. He said that I Had begun 'effacing' but no dilation as of yet. Cervix was closed, and unless I broke my water no baby soon. I will go back next week to see if any progress has been made.
I also had my yoga photo shoot. I have been doing yoga several times a week at Two Hearts Yoga from my ninth week of pregnancy, and now approaching my thirty eigth week my teacher suggested I bring a camera in to document my progress and accomplishment. I originally thought this sounded very silly, and I was a little embarrassed about it, but it was a tradition for every woman in the class late in her pregnancy so I thought I wouldn't argue, and just brought the camera. I am SO happy I did. As I feel like almost every aspect of my body has gone downhill, and every form of exercise I used to enjoy has become difficult to impossible, my yoga practice has actually gotten better. It is the one physical area of my life that has improved, still feels great, and allows me some time on my own to just be with this baby. I have so appreciated my time at two hearts: the community of pregnant women I have met, the physical challenge it has provided, the equanimity I have found, the room I have made for myself and the baby, and the simple silence. These pictures will be a beautiful reminder of all of these things, and one of the only very positive physical experiences I have had while pregnant.
This week I am not going to make any physical complaints. I am going to say I am so very lucky for having such a smooth and beautiful pregnancy. My body has done what is necessary to carry this baby girl to term. Now at 37 weeks she is full term, ready to be born at any minute, all systems a go... and I feel a sense of joy and pride that we are here. As I can see the light at the end of the tunnel I have decided to soak up these last two weeks of my life that I will be pregnant, and basque in the miracle of pregnancy while looking forward to the miracle of birth.
So proud of David for this amazing accomplishment. So much hard work and sweat equity went into the making of this lovely little special, and I couldn't be more excited to see the premier tonight on NBC. I think a little Julianuary party is in order filled with mini trees and santa balloons. David has invited over a few of his closest crew members to watch, and mom and dad will be there too. We (Isaac and I) are both so very excited for our director, and love every minute of this special special.
Just when you think you have a handle on parenting, and have seen, heard of, or experienced most of the childhood illnesses that preschoolers so generously share with one and other, you are struck with something so bizarre that it knocks you off your feet.
This past Thursday I picked Isaac up from school. He came running over to me joyfully knowing that he was going to spend the afternoon at Bubie and Papu's house. He went down for his nap, and woke up two hours later unable to put any pressure on his right hip, and unable to walk. I called the doctor immediately who said to bring him in, and low and behold... Toxic Synovitis.
"Toxic synovitis also known as acute transient synovitis of the hip is a condition in which there is inflammation and fluid within the hip joint. It is this swelling and fluid accumulation which causes joint pain. It is a rather common problem with up to 3 percent of children having an episode at some time during their life and may occur in children anywhere from the early toddler to the teenager. However, it usually happens to kids between 3-6 years of age. The exact cause of toxic synovitis is still unknown. The only thing that seems to be consistently associated with toxic synovitis is that many of these children have had an upper respiratory illness shortly before the onset of hip pain. This has led to speculation that the virus which is causing the cold also causes the synovitis. No matter what the cause, almost all children recover within two weeks and without long-lasting effects. Between 4-17 percent of children may have a second episode of toxic synovitis, but this usually occurs within 6 months of the first episode"
And there we have it. The remedy: rest and anti inflammatories. Dr. Shulman thought he would be walking again within 48 hours. He rested, took motirn, and was walking late the next day. It (pardon my language) scared the crap out of David and I, but the entire time Isaac was calm, in great spirits, and enjoyed the couch time to watch movies and eat popcorn. He is back at school today, I am sure running like a maniac with a slight limp, and we are thrilled to have braved yet another viral storm.
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of events, obligations, celebrations, illness and recovery, and much much more. It seems like time is both speeding by and inching along as we enter this last month of pregnancy. In so many ways I cant believe we are here already, and at the same time as I reflect on the journey it feels like a long one. In the past couple of weeks I have celebrated moms birthday with a special day in the city filled with massage and shopping. I have had my baby shower. We attended the annual Crohns and Colitis dinner fundraiser. I have bought, made, wrapped, with love several holiday and birthday gifts. I have been trying to cram in dinner and lunch with friends. I am still doing yoga several times a week. Keeping myself busy has been a good and important diversion as we near the end and I become more physically uncomfortable and emotionally strung out. My entire pelvic floor, inner groin, and well... lets call it 'fine china' is stretching and pulling, and the pressure from the baby bearing down on the already tender area is incredibly painful. Rolling from one side to the other at night is a major struggle and getting out of bed to go to the bathroom makes me feel like a hobbling 80 year old. Just standing from a seated position is a challenge at this point. The swelling has increased and is becoming more apparent and more uncomfortable. Prilosec has helped with the heartburn, although the indigestion is hanging around. Breathing is difficult. I am often lightheaded, dizzy, and get the shakes from either lack of oxygen or low blood sugar. With all of this said the baby looks wonderful and healthy in the little home I am providing her, and we are on schedule for a mid December delivery. In the next few weeks I look forward to soaking up family time as a threesome, couple time as a twosome, and just the slivers of time I now get as me (slingless, strolerless, spitup less, well rested {sort of}). I am enjoying a world where my boobs are my own, and equally looking forward to the joys and magic of nursing. It seems that each element of this journey is part of its own little dichotomy. In this I find peace. We know what to expect in the coming months and I believe I can speak for the entire family when I say we are ringing with excitement, and terrified to hit the reset button. What we do know as seasoned veterans is that the babies are only babies for such a short amount of time. I cant wait to soak up every minute.
After spending the past months listening to the radio, and reading the paper about the threats of H1N1, I was finally vaccinated with the mercury free vaccine. I had been debating weather or not to get the vaccine from Isaac's pediatrician since they offered it to pregnant women (he had the first of two injections last week), but they didn't have the mercury free vaccine. After some debate, I decided to wait it out and finally Dr. Rabin's office got it in. I rushed over, quickly, and after a quick stab in the arm felt some peace of mind. I am fairly certain that the majority of the buzz about the vaccine is hype, but being in my third trimester, and 'high risk', I was happy to finally put it out of my head.
It was at this weeks Rabin appointment that I finally asked, is there anything other than tums that I can take for the heartburn and indigestion. I am miserable. To which he responded... oh yeah, take prilosec. And so of course I asked if there was any risk to the baby, which he said no. So I gave it a try, and within 24 hours I had a serious amount of relief. It wasn't completely gone, but there was a noticeable difference. It went from miserable to inconvenient and uncomfortable - but livable. I am hoping this will make the next few weeks much more tolerable and pleasant, and it certainly beats tums.
How lucky I felt to have all the women I love in the same place at the same time. It was a wonderful way to touch base with so many people that I haven't had an opportunity to see, and who I know I wont see until I come out of my hermetic hybernatic baby state.
The shower was held at the SLS hotel, in the Bazaar's patisserie. It is Alice in Wonderland meets candy shop bliss, and very much a place I adore. We all gathered around a long table and enjoyed tea and creatively made yummy bites (albeit served slowly). It was the perfect mix of friends, family, and food. A big thank you to Erin and Mom for all of the hard work they put into making it such a special event. All of the details were beautifully executed, and made me feel both special and loved. I look forward to showing our girl the wonderful event held in her honor, and taking her for some tea sometime in the probably way too near future.