Pictures of Violet...

Here are a few snapshots of Violet...

Violet's Big Debut!

It is about time I posted a little something on the birth of our amazing daughter! Violet Isela Lynn Rivera made her big debut on February 16th, 2012 at 11:29am. She weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. Here is a recap of the big day.......

I made the decision in early pregnancy that if I did not go into labor by her due date, then I would have an elective cesarean section to avoid having an induction. Since her due date was on a weekend (and they don't schedule c-sections on the weekend), I scheduled the c-section for Thursday, February 16th. I never went into labor, so I woke up extremely anxious on the 16th, knowing that it was the big day to meet my little girl. I arrived at the hospital around 0830am and got all checked in. The good thing about having a planned birth was that all of my labor and delivery friends were able to be there to help me get prepped for surgery. I changed into my hospital gown and climbed into bed to have my vital signs taken. Of course, my blood pressure and pulse were sky high through the whole prep period. My friend Jaime attempted to start my IV, but unfortunately, my veins were not cooperating. The second IV was a success, but I had to have my blood drawn 3 more times due to crappy veins! My arms were quite bruised for a few days. I signed all the paperwork, answered some questions, took some last minute pictures, and off we went to the OR. I got myself into position for the spinal anesthetic, while Jaime sat with me holding my hand (John had to wait in the waiting room). The spinal was done before I knew it, but I could still feel my legs so I was a little concerned (the anesthesiologist was too.) They began prepping me for surgery, which included placing a foley catheter in my pee-pee hole, which I totally felt! At that point, the anesthesiologist decided to do my spinal again. I was beyond numb at that point! John was brought in at that point and was able to sit right next to me. Before I knew it, the procedure had started, and within minutes, my baby girl was out. It was so quick. I heard her cry, which made me cry, but I never busted out with the ugly cry so I am proud of myself for that. They brought her over to me for a few minutes, then John and her went to the nursery while they finished my surgery. I was wheeled into the PACU shortly thereafter to begin my recovery. I was able to snuggle with my baby right away. It was beyond surreal. The next several hours consisted of picture taking, snuggling, breastfeeding, and waiting for my dang legs to get the feeling back in them. Most women stay in the PACU for about 2 hours (the amount of time it takes to get feeling back in the legs). I was there for close to 5 hours! Getting 2 spinal anesthetics really sucked!

We finally went to the postpartum room and got all settled in for our 3 day stay. We did not sleep the whole first night; there was so much going on. Violet was so alert the first day. I couldn't stop staring at her. She was so worth losing sleep over.

Recovering from surgery was not nearly as bad as I expected. I was up and out of bed, walking around within 12 hours of the procedure. I was taking pain pills while in the hospital, but soon found out that they actually made me feel worse, so I stopped taking them as soon as I got home and just took Motrin when I needed it. The worst part of the whole experience was the feeling of helplessness for the first 2 weeks. I was advised not to drive or lift anything other then my baby for the first few weeks. John and my mom had to wait on me quite a bit, which I did not like because I am so used to fending for myself. They were beyond helpful and I am so grateful that I had them both there.

The first week postpartum is somewhat of a blur. I know I cried ALOT!!! Breastfeeding was definitely a challenge in the first week, which made me cry even more. But we made it through okay.

Violet's birth was the most spectacular thing I have ever experienced. I definitely felt like my purpose in life was established at that point. The bond I have with my daughter and with John is something I cannot put into words. I will always love you Princess Violet!!

Our last night as a twosome....

So tomorrow is our daughters big debut! I decided a long time ago that if I did not have this baby by my due date, that I would proceed with a scheduled Cesarean Section instead of opting for an induction of labor. Not everyone will understand my choice in doing this, but for me, it just made the most sense. So now we have arrived at the day before my delivery date and I am beyond nervous. I don't know if I am more nervous about the procedure, or the fact that I am finally going to meet my daughter (I am sure it is a combination of both.) I have seen this surgery hundreds of times, and I know exactly how it will probably play out, but I am still extremely anxious.

John is as calm as can be. I don't think it will truly hit him until we are in the operating room tomorrow. He says it is all still very surreal to him, so he isn't quite sure how he is going to process it all yet. His love and support is definitely calming me down....somewhat! Let's see how well he sleeps tonight?

So this will be my last post before Baby Rivera is finally here. Almost 40 weeks of waiting and the big day is upon us. Hopefully I can get some rest tonight and wake up refreshed and ready. My baby girl is coming tomorrow!!!

39 Weeks!

How far along? 39 weeks! Baby Rivera is 20 inches, give or take an inch or so, and probably a little over 7 pounds!

Total weight gain/loss? 23 pounds! I lost a pound this week, which is common late in pregnancy.

Feeling Sick/Signs of Labor? I am so ready for this little girl to be out! I am tired, nauseous, and the heartburn is driving me crazy! I am having a lot of contractions, but unfortunately they are doing nothing. I have been 0.5 cm dilated for a month now. I feel like I have tried everything to get this labor going, but my efforts have failed. So sad. She will be here soon though!

Clothing? I have still been able to utilize some of my sundresses this week. They are so comfortable. I am so happy that I did not have to buy a single pair of full panel maternity pants my whole pregnancy. In actuality, I bought very few maternity items. Yay me. Oh how excited I am to get back into my old clothes.

Stretch Marks? Nope.

Sleep? My sleep schedule is routine now. I fall asleep usually by 10pm and am up every morning no later then 0730am. I wake up 2-3 times to use the little girl’s room, and sometimes an additional time due to uncomfortable contractions.

Movement? I still love every one of her movements. She is such an active little girl.

Cravings? ICE. ICE. and more ICE. Crushed ice is my favorite thing ever!

Gender? GIRL!

What I miss? The ability to breathe deeply. It is so difficult to catch my breath with this big belly hogging up all of the room where my other internal organs used to reside.

Upcoming Events? My Daughters big debut!!! I am scheduled for a Cesarean Section on Thursday if she doesn’t come before that! I can’t wait!

Best moment of the week? Spending one on one time with John, and enjoying our last few days as a twosome.

38 weeks!

How far along? 38 weeks! Baby Rivera is 20 inches, give or take an inch or so, and close to 7 pounds!

Total weight gain/loss? 24 pounds!

Feeling Sick/Signs of Labor? Feeling tired and low on energy. I am up bright and early every morning, anxious to get my day going, but I always hit a wall around 4pm and have no desire to do anything. I continue to contract, but nothing is happening from them yet.

Clothing? I have been able to utilize a lot of my sundresses over stretchy pants lately because the weather has been so nice. I just can’t wait to shop once this baby comes out. I am getting annoyed with having to dress this belly everyday.

Stretch Marks? Nope.

Sleep? Sleep has been okay lately. I wake up once or twice to use the little ladies room, but I am able to fall back asleep quickly. I do wake up at 7am every single morning. I no longer have the ability to sleep in.

Movement? I have a racehorse growing inside of me.

Cravings? I still love chewing ice. It is amazing.

Gender? All princess! I can’t wait to meet her. I think she is going to look like daddy!

What I miss? Not feeling fatigued and worn out. I may never have tons of energy again (because I will be chasing after a baby), but I just want to feel like I can walk up the stairs without feeling short of breath.

Upcoming Events? I continue to have my weekly non-stress tests and OB appointments. Maybe she will show up this week!!

Best moment of the week? It was a great week. I celebrated my 30^th birthday with my closest friends and family. It can only get better from here.

A few last minute maternity photos

The weather has been absolutely amazing in San Diego, so what better way to spend the day then in Balboa Park taking maternity photos. My mom got some great shots of John and I, as well as, some individual shots of me and the belly.

Belly Cast

Had a blast on Thursday doing a belly cast with my girlfriends. The kit was very easy to use and the mold turned out great. I can't wait to paint it!