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Yesterday was Andrew’s Two-Week Birthday!
(Mom opted to nap yesterday, instead of finishing this post.)
We had our two-week checkup with the pediatrician yesterday afternoon. All is well! We weren’t quite back to birth weight (8lb 4oz), but close at 7lb 15 oz. He gained an ounce a day (on average) since his last appointment, so doc said we were OK. He also said that as soon as we get back to birth weight we don’t *have* to wake up for night time feedings (but to feed if Andrew wants to, of course). Something to look forward to although I haven’t had to wake him to feed at night yet.
Otherwise we’re just eating, sleeping, and filling up diapers! Oh and we had our first bath today in anticipation of Grandparents’ Dean arrival later this afternoon. They finally escaped the snow!!
 Snuggle Bear
Matt and Susan are thrilled to announce baby’s arrival!!
On Friday February 5, 2010 at 1:09 am, Andrew Harold Dean came into the world with a giant cry (a good sign!). He weighed 8 pounds and 4 ounces, and he measured 21 inches in length.
 Andrew after birth Mama labored for about 12 hours total, her first serious contraction came at 2:05pm on February 4th, and placenta was delivered at 2:30am on the 5th. Labor and birth all occurred peacefully at home, as planned.
The experience was facilitated by an excellent birth team. Kelli Johnson, CPM, lead the team and was assisted by Maggie McCarthy. Lisa Dunham served as doula, supporting Susan with encouragement and great relief techniques for back pressure. Angela Ziegler, a very close friend of Susan and Matt, stayed throughout lending encouragement and support. Eileen Simoneau joined us for the big event, documenting special moments with her photography talent.
Matt was a key member of the birth team. He stayed with Susan throughout the entire labor, tirelessly encouraging and comforting her. He cut the cord when Andrew arrived and held him while Kelli and Susan worked on delivering the placenta (the picture below was taken later).
 Daddy and Andrew Once Mama was ready, she and Andrew relaxed on the couch, nursed for the first time, and got to know each other.
 Mama and Andrew We didn’t know Andrew’s name until he arrived. His middle name, Harold, however we picked almost immediately after we knew Baby would be a boy. Harold is Matt’s maternal grandfather – his mother’s father, Harold Jones. Grandpa Jones played a prominent role in Matt’s childhood (and still does!) and is a big source of inspiration to Matt. He is strong and humble, and even today he continues to farm his land with his own hands, at over 80 years old. We also knew we wanted a name that meant strength and positive nature. Harold also fits as it means “strong fighter” or “Army leader.”
The other final contenders for first name were Michael, after Susan’s paternal grandfather, and Joseph, after Matt’s paternal grandfather. All three contenders had equal liklihood before birth, we simply didn’t know who he’d be until he got here. The name Andrew means “manly” or “warrior” and it is also the name of a friend of Susan, Andy, who was a warrior – a U.S. Marine – that was kind and generous as well as a strong leader.
When Baby joined us, Mama was too tired to determine which name seemed most fitting, so she looked at Dad who immediately said “Andrew.”
After Andrew’s arrival, we celebrated with cupcakes from a local restaurant, Infusion Tea, and red wine (Susan’s favorite, a Syrah).
 HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW!!!!
We are officially past our due date, but still in the window for ‘normal.’ In fact, most first time moms go an average of 41 weeks and 3 days. Today marks 40 weeks and 3 days.
Here are the stats:
- Mama urine: boring (low specific gravity?, just means drink more water)
- Mama BP: 114/84
- Mama weight: +46 lb.
- Mama belly size: 40 cm
- Baby heart rate: 142 bpm
- Baby position: same ol’, left occiput posterior (i.e., “GOOD”)
Otherwise, we’re just waiting, and doing what I can to encourage things along, like walking and drinking red raspberry leaf tea.
Another update, yes, we are STILL pregnant. The due date hasn’t even arrived yet, after all. 
Here are the stats:
- Mama urine: boring
- Mama BP: 132/84
- Mama Weight: +42.5 lbs (+37.5 lbs if you don’t count that pesky 5 lbs that I lost right before I found out, and then immediately regained right after I found out … not that I’m counting )
- Mama Belly Size: 39 cm (@ 39 weeks, 3 days)
- Baby Heart Rate: 158 BPM
Other than that we’re still just patiently waiting. I have some “complaints” (but not really complaints, just things to manage):
- Heart Burn. Kelli recommended several things. Of these, I tried mustard, papaya, and egg shells. The egg shells seem to be the best solution (and papaya the yummiest).
- Swollen Feet and Ankles. Kelli recommended a juice concoction of equal parts celery, cucumber, and carrots plus some kelp. I made the concoction and added beets (I like beets, which are good for iron).
   
 
I had fun juicing! I can’t say that the final product knocked my socks off. It’ll definitely take some playing with the recipe, and I may have used too much kelp (it floats to the top and makes the texture funny). Next time, instead of beet, I think I’ll try apple. Maybe I can find a Pink Lady for the occasion!
And I almost forgot… pictures of the Baby Belly!
 
‘Til next time…
Another boring one! They can’t be boring for much longer though…
Stats:
- Mama Urine: completely boring
- Mama Blood Pressure: 122/84
- Mama’s Belly Size: 37cm … Kelli says “you’ve officially dropped”
- Baby Heart Rate: 134 BPM
- Baby Position: same – head down, back on mama’s left
Last time she tested me for Group B Strep and for iron. GBS came back negative and iron is “good.”
I’ve been 2cm dilated for a week now (we measured as much at the last visit, but didn’t want to get too excited). It’s normal to stay this dilated for a while, so this doesn’t mean anything is imminent (but it also means we are definitely 9+ months along!).
On other fronts we’re pretty much as ready as I think we can be. The cats have managed to get into the baby’s drawers, so I may do another round of wash on his clothes to get out the kitty hair. Thanks Ziggy and Teva.
Some of you may know I had a situation at work with the short-term disability benefit. You’ll be glad to hear that they finally stepped up to do the right thing. That’s two major insurance-related victories – the health insurance has also agreed to cover Kelli (they are obligated to by FL state law, after all).
There may be one more situation – the short-term disability insurance company has denied me future coverage due to my “current pregnancy, height, and weight.” Hopefully this will work itself out, but it could be one more battle. The good news is that I feel empowered by the previous successes. In the meantime, it’s not important. We have a new baby to welcome!
Here’s a shot of Ziggy and Teva sunbathing. They are still the center of attention around here, for now…
 Kitty Twins
Last weekend, my close friend Angela put on a Blessingway for me. We talked about a shower, and I really didn’t want to do the “usual” thing. She had just the idea in mind – the Blessingway.
Actually, she had a Blessingway when she was pregnant with her second child, and I had attended that. I liked how at her Blessingway we focused on empowering, inspiring, and supporting her as a mama about to bring a new life into the world. We agreed that a Blessingway was probably more of what I needed than a traditional shower.
We lit candles. The idea is that each woman takes the candle home and lights it when labor begins. Each will burn until our new guy arrives, in support of the effort of labor. We also had a moment of silence with the candle lighting in memory of all the babies who either haven’t made it into the world or made it but were not able to hang on for very long.
Of course Ange does not throw a party without delicious (and homemade!) food:
Everyone wrote a card with supporting, empowering thoughts they wanted to share with me. My doula, Lisa, will have these cards in a photo album ready to read to me during labor. It will keep me going strong!
Finally, we wound yarn around our wrists. By tying it around everyone’s wrist before cutting it into separate pieces, we see how we are all connected. Then we all wear the yarn until baby arrives and my milk comes in, signifying labor has been successful. Between the time the yarn goes on and when it comes off, it may get frazzled and frayed, much like a woman may feel during labor. The yarn reminds us of our sister’s work and to keep sending her energy of strength and empowerment.
It was truly a wonderful, special, inspirational and empowering gathering. Thank you Ange! And thank you to all the fine ladies who came to give me support and love!
Hello!
We had our 37 week appointment today, we are officially “in the window” but it could really be any time between now and mid-February. Let’s hope he waits at least long enough for us to figure out a name 
Here are the stats:
- Mama Urine: mostly boring, I had some ketones, but I skipped lunch (or had a very late lunch) which is probably why. The sugar levels were fine, so she said no worries (and that I passed my gestational diabetes test so well a few weeks ago, coupled with skipping lunch, made this still “boring”).
- Mama Blood Pressure: It changed! A little lower this time: 110/71. I felt my fingers tingle when the cuff was at its tightest.
- Mama weight: +40.5 lbs.
- Mama belly: 38 cm
- Baby Heart rate: 141 bpm
- Baby Position: LOS (forget the technical term), Kelli’s lay-person translation: “still perfect”
We also did the test for Group B Strep (GBS), a regular 37-week test. It’s one of those ones you have to wait for the results, so there’s some suspense to keep you on your toes. I’ve been taking garlic supplements in addition to my probiotic, which is supposed to help reduce the likelihood of GBS by helping the intestines manage the flora in there.
I finally got around to washing all of his little clothes. They are running right now, actually. So, when they are clean and dry, they’ll go in the new dresser and continue to wait along with us. Did you know, many clothes manufacturers put formaldehyde in clothes? That seemed pretty shocking to me, formaldehyde is such a strong chemical! So those clothes are running through the wash a couple times before getting put away!
So that’s the news from Lil’ Dean. We’re still working on a name, but trust me we ARE working on it!
Here’s a cute baby love pic I found this week:
 Thankfully it’s not *quite* that cold here in FL (but we’ve been getting our winter-time test, that’s for sure!)
The arrival is getting CLOSE! Here is a picture taken the day we turned 36 weeks:
Aren’t my guys just adorable?!
Our good friend Erin came over and took some BEAUTIFUL photographs for us, THANK YOU ERIN! If you like these, check her out online portfolio and her Esty shop.
Not much longer left until the little guy decides to join us out here.
Here are the stats from 36-week appointment:
- Mama Blood Pressure: 120/80 (staying steady!)
- Mama Urine: boring as usual
- Mama Belly Size: 37 cm
- Baby Heart Rate: upper 120s / lower 130s (I think he was asleep)
Appointments are weekly now, not sure if I’ll update that often (especially if it’s just these “boring” stats!)
Matt’s been nesting. As you’ve seen in earlier posts, he’s painted the nursery and remodeled the bathroom. He’s updated the bathroom further – he picked out a beautiful shower curtain (my first cloth curtain!). He says the room needs a picture on the wall, then it will be “done.” When it’s “done” I’ll post another pic (it really is done as far as I’m concerned).
He’s also been busy putting things together. We’ve been getting lots of gifts, including a baby swing that rocks on its own (sideways and back and forth) and also plays music as well as a jogger stroller, both of which required assembly. As luck has had it they arrived on days he’s home and I’m working, so I keep coming home to these lovely, fully assembled surprises.
Otherwise, we’re just happily gestating over here.
I’ll leave you with a belly profile (also taken at 36-weeks):
Happy New Year!
First, this new year marks a cool astronomical feature: A Blue moon! (technically in December 2009, but the blue moon occurs in the afternoon of the last day of ‘09; let’s round up!) The next blue moon will be in August of 2012.
 Blue Moon I am not a resolution type, but I have been inspired by other bloggers whom I follow to set some goals for the new year. It will be fun to post them here and check back in twelve months to see how well I’ve done.
I’ve learned it’s important to set goals you know you can accomplish, so with that, goal number one:
1. Have a baby.
Something I’ve always had as an ongoing goal, but my motivation for ebbs and wanes, is getting to a healthy weight an maintain it. I’m not talking about obsessing about the number on the scale, but to simply get my body to a healthy place where it feels good, weight is one such metric. Soon before discovering my pregnancy, I lost five pounds (on a goal to losing 15-20 pounds) as my motivation had just started an upswing. The news distracted me, along with the hurdle of a bunch of travel all at once, and I immediately gained the five pounds right back. If you include that five pounds, so far I’ve gained 30 in pregnancy (so 25 over my pre-pre-pregnancy weight). While I will probably gain more than thirty pounds by the time baby arrives, let’s start reasonable.
2. Lose 30 pounds by September.
One of the themes of Peskytarian.com is food. I’ve always loved eating food, and this year (2009) I really started to enjoy preparing food. With a new member in our family next year, I want to prepare more food at home, with a focus on healthy options (comfort food is okay but shouldn’t be the majority). Right now I make dinner at home on average probably once a week, maybe twice a week when it’s just for me (e.g., Matt gets dinner while he’s at work). My breakfast routine over the course of the year probably averages picking something up 60% of the time. Weekday lunches are at least as frequent, if not more frequent, than breakfast. I look forward to documenting my progress on this goal here at Peskytarian.com.
3. Eat home-prepared meals 50% of the time (all three of us).
I’ve always been a believer in having long term plans, and I used to have them. Somewhere in the past few years I’ve kept those plans in mind but have struggled in figuring out how they’d unfold as other facets of my life have changed (e.g., getting married, becoming pregnant, etc.). I’d like to spend some time in 2010, a new decade, working out what my long-term goals are (being completely honest with myself about those that I should let go of, those I should hold tight, and any other tweaks that are appropriate) and how to achieve them. By long term, let’s start easy and say 5 years out. So:
4. By the end of 2010 have a 5 year plan that is realistic, honest, and doable.
This last one is hard to quantify or measure, but it’s something I feel is important to accomplish. Several times in my life I’ve felt very disciplined and tended to be systematic and routine. These characteristics are beneficial for a lot of things. Routine is good to minimize a sense of chaos and keep anxiety low (it also helps me not lose my car keys!). Systematic approaches to anything make it easier to stay focused, eliminate ineffective tactics, and make it easier to reproduce success. Discipline – do I need to explain this one? – is just good. Matt’s very disciplined and in the past few years living with him, I’ve realized how my discipline has declined, and probably wasn’t as strong as his to begin with.
I think with a new member of the family, especially an infant, these characteristics will be more valuable than they have ever been before in my life. My purpose in re-embracing them is to achieve a balanced, peaceful, and rewarding life. I want to have time to enjoy baby, husband, and life without letting important goals fall to the wayside.
5. Demonstrate discipline in having a balanced life.
 Happy New Year!!
This is last of the 2-week frequency check-ups. From here on they are weekly!
I know this will come as a shock, but everything was “boring” pretty much again. Here are the stats:
- Mama Weight gain: 36 lbs
- Mama BP: 120 / 80
- Mama Belly Size: 35 cm (@35 weeks, right on the nose!)
- Mama Urine: boring = good
- Baby Heart Rate: 148 BPM
- Baby Position: head down, back to the left – just where we want him to be!
- Baby still moves a good deal, especially when Matt is touching the belly.
Next week we have our home-visit with Kelli. She comes to our house, we go over a bunch of stuff, and basically just make sure we all know the lay of the land for birthing time. We live really close (<5 miles) from each other, and even closer to Maggie, Kelli’s assistant (<1 mile), so that feels reassuring that they’re both literally right around the corner.
Today, the last day of 2009, will be warm (highs ~70s), but tomorrow will be COLD (for Florida anyway, highs ~50s). Not quite this cold, but it’s a fun picture:
 Monkey Snow Ball Fight Happy New Year!
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