We are blessed with many friends and family members that love and pray for us. Many of them found their way to the hospital to visit the newest addition and offer congrats. We realize that not everyone can get to the hospital, but would like to thank the many that did come - it is greatly appreciated.
Thanks to all who came, and others who called and kept us in their thoughts and prayers. We know that many people will be stopping by the house soon too, and we welcome visitors.
Friday, June 09, 2006
The Grand Entrance
After 9 months of pregnancy, 3 weeks of contractions and thinking labor was "just around the corner" and a couple of tired and nervous parents, baby Joey made an interesting grand entrance on Monday, June 5.
This is the story of baby Joey's labor and delivery:
As many of you know, I had high blood pressure and lots of swelling, leading to hypertension and early stages of pre-clampsia, so I was scheduled to be induced Monday, June 5 at 7:00 am. I nervously went to bed on Sunday night, the 4th, thinking that I didn't feel quite right. At about 3:00 am, I was awakened with some strong contractions. I paced the house, trying to ease the pain by walking. Since I had been having contractions for 3 weeks, I figured it was just more of the same. However, these started to become more frequent and more painful. By 5:00 am, I was timing them to see how long they were and how far apart. In case you're wondering, no, I didn't wake anyone up and I didn't call big Joey. I just wanted to be calm and try to figure out myself what was happening. Plus, I knew I would be at the hospital in a couple of hours either way. When big Joey came to get me shortly before 7:00, I told him that the baby was coming today either way, as I was having timable contractions.
We arrived at the hospital's birth center after walking down what was actually a short hallway, but felt like an everlasting hallway leading to the great unknown - or perhaps hell. They were ready and waiting for us, but were surprised to see someone coming in to be induced having contractions. After settling in and getting comfy (haha), the doctor came to check me out for induction. Much to everyone's surprise, I was already dilated to 7 (FYI, you need to be at 10 to have the babes, 7 is quite far along). Dr. Friedman was so surprised, she even yelled out "Holy Shit," something that is funny now, but scared the hell out of me then! Needless to say, they didn't actually induce me because I had done all the work myself already.
By around 10:00, I was dilated, effaced and ready to push him out. However, baby Joey had different plans. He decided not to descend down the canal, making my job tough. After an epidural - for which we all thank God - I tried my hardest to push. However, my blood pressure was high and they couldn't get a good read on baby's heart rate. Also, the doctor said that it would be rare for him to come down naturally at this point. After a little discussion, it was evident that a c-section was needed.
If I remembered more about the c-section, I'd tell ya, but don't remember much. Just know that all of the doctors and nurses were wonderful and big Joey brought the baby to me after he was out to give him kisses on his sticky little cheek :) I was in recovery for about an hour and then rejoined with my baby and both of our immediate families, who were all waiting in the room for me, which was a lovely surprise.
Since then, baby and I have been attached at the hip...or, other body parts
Lots more pictures on the way!
This is the story of baby Joey's labor and delivery:
As many of you know, I had high blood pressure and lots of swelling, leading to hypertension and early stages of pre-clampsia, so I was scheduled to be induced Monday, June 5 at 7:00 am. I nervously went to bed on Sunday night, the 4th, thinking that I didn't feel quite right. At about 3:00 am, I was awakened with some strong contractions. I paced the house, trying to ease the pain by walking. Since I had been having contractions for 3 weeks, I figured it was just more of the same. However, these started to become more frequent and more painful. By 5:00 am, I was timing them to see how long they were and how far apart. In case you're wondering, no, I didn't wake anyone up and I didn't call big Joey. I just wanted to be calm and try to figure out myself what was happening. Plus, I knew I would be at the hospital in a couple of hours either way. When big Joey came to get me shortly before 7:00, I told him that the baby was coming today either way, as I was having timable contractions.
We arrived at the hospital's birth center after walking down what was actually a short hallway, but felt like an everlasting hallway leading to the great unknown - or perhaps hell. They were ready and waiting for us, but were surprised to see someone coming in to be induced having contractions. After settling in and getting comfy (haha), the doctor came to check me out for induction. Much to everyone's surprise, I was already dilated to 7 (FYI, you need to be at 10 to have the babes, 7 is quite far along). Dr. Friedman was so surprised, she even yelled out "Holy Shit," something that is funny now, but scared the hell out of me then! Needless to say, they didn't actually induce me because I had done all the work myself already.
By around 10:00, I was dilated, effaced and ready to push him out. However, baby Joey had different plans. He decided not to descend down the canal, making my job tough. After an epidural - for which we all thank God - I tried my hardest to push. However, my blood pressure was high and they couldn't get a good read on baby's heart rate. Also, the doctor said that it would be rare for him to come down naturally at this point. After a little discussion, it was evident that a c-section was needed.
If I remembered more about the c-section, I'd tell ya, but don't remember much. Just know that all of the doctors and nurses were wonderful and big Joey brought the baby to me after he was out to give him kisses on his sticky little cheek :) I was in recovery for about an hour and then rejoined with my baby and both of our immediate families, who were all waiting in the room for me, which was a lovely surprise.
Since then, baby and I have been attached at the hip...or, other body parts
Lots more pictures on the way!
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
It's D Day
That's due-date day - tomorrow (3/31)! We'll be topping of the pregnancy with...bedrest? I'm not joking, I went to the doctor today and have been put on bedrest. Well, for all of 1 day. No more work for me (bummer), but also no more playing, if you will. I have to keep my feet up and elevated until I go back to the doctor on Thursday morning (unless labor begins naturally before then).
The doctors are worried that I may have pre-clampsia (also known as toximia). I don't really know what it means, but will be looking it up shortly. My blood pressure has been very steady and good throughout the pregnancy, but skyrocketed today. That, coupled with the very swollen hands, feet/ankles/legs are major signs of pre-clampsia.
The baby and I were both monitored this afternoon, and we are both healthy and happy. Well, baby Joey is happy. Haha!
The doctors are worried that I may have pre-clampsia (also known as toximia). I don't really know what it means, but will be looking it up shortly. My blood pressure has been very steady and good throughout the pregnancy, but skyrocketed today. That, coupled with the very swollen hands, feet/ankles/legs are major signs of pre-clampsia.
The baby and I were both monitored this afternoon, and we are both healthy and happy. Well, baby Joey is happy. Haha!
Labor or a Root Canal?
That was the big question last week. I'm willing to bet not many people have had the joy of experiencing the two within one week of each other, but this blushing mommy-to-be is one of the lucky few!
Last Wednesday, with much pain on an entire side of my face, I went to the dentist to see if I had a cavity. This was after I was finally convinced by the doctor that it was not another ear infection. Fast forward, to make a long story short, and I had to have a root canal.
The pain in the tooth finally went away yesterday, so the baby pain should begin within moments!
Last Wednesday, with much pain on an entire side of my face, I went to the dentist to see if I had a cavity. This was after I was finally convinced by the doctor that it was not another ear infection. Fast forward, to make a long story short, and I had to have a root canal.
The pain in the tooth finally went away yesterday, so the baby pain should begin within moments!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Did I say that?
Notice in the lower right-hand corner of each post that there is a link to "comments." It is here that you can make comments about how cute baby Joey is, or tell us how much you love him. We look forward to reading them!
What a cool blog you have
I've gotten many comments the last couple of days about how cool and smart it is to have a baby blog. To that I say, "thanks", and um...well...okay, I didn't think of it. You caught me. Joey and I may both be witty and bright, but the idea for a baby blog came from my co-worker and friend, Patrik. Patrik's wife, Ericka, was due to give birth after me, in mid-June. Well, baby Ronnings decided he didn't want to wait and came in mid-March instead. Since then, people 
around the globe (literally, Patrik is from Sweden) have been following the progress of Mathias. He came into this world at 1 lb 6 oz, and recently celebrated 5 pounds. Very impressive! There was even talk this week about him coming home in the next few weeks. Way to go, Mathias!
If you want to see baby Joey's future bff (best friend forever, duh) that started the blog sensation, visit him at: http://erickaupdates.blogspot.com/
around the globe (literally, Patrik is from Sweden) have been following the progress of Mathias. He came into this world at 1 lb 6 oz, and recently celebrated 5 pounds. Very impressive! There was even talk this week about him coming home in the next few weeks. Way to go, Mathias!If you want to see baby Joey's future bff (best friend forever, duh) that started the blog sensation, visit him at: http://erickaupdates.blogspot.com/
Friday, May 19, 2006
Baby Showers!
I've had a couple of baby showers given and attended by some very generous people! I don't have pictures right now of the friend shower that Audrey, Shelby and Jaime organized, but I know there are some good ones, and hope to post them at sometime. It was a very fun shower that included personalizing onsies with paint and sentcils. Very fun!
There was a lunch and shower at work the other day that was great fun as well. We had a very yummy lunch (steak!) and excellent cake. I was also very excited to see Carmen, my old boss. She was a surprise guest.
Thanks to everyone for showers, gifts and support. It is very much appreciated!
Alex the Slugger!
Most of you know that I am a huge baseball fan (MN Twins - never, ever the Yankee's - sorry New Yorkers). Some of you have heard me say that if baby Joey doesn't want to play baseball, I'm leaving him at the hospital (which I would never do, just ground him until he's 18). Anyway, thought I'd let everyone know that our slugger of a baseball player, Alex hit 2 homeruns last night. Way to go, buddy!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Alex
At 8 years young, Alex is the oldest of the cousins/grandchildren. He's also Nene's godson. He keeps quite busy, just like his sister. This spring, he's in baseball, and plans to play both baseball and soccer this summer. He is finishing up the second grade and just received first communion. He often amazes his aunt with his knowledge of all things science, something Nene does not really possess!Alex is excited to add another boy to the family. I'm sure he gets his fill of girls from his 2 sisters. Alex will write his own entry, like Mackenzie did, once baby Joey arrives
Mackenzie!
A little bit about our older princess, Mackenzie...Mackenzie is five years old and very active. She goes non-stop! This summer she'll be in gymnastics and soccer, but is very excited to make time for another cousin. She is excited to be Nene's helper during the summer - with "baths and feedings and washing and lots of playing.
"
She wanted us to name the baby Paul, because she just likes it and after Paul Bunyan, but thinks Joey is a cool name too.
This post edited by the princess herself :)
Friday, April 28, 2006
Pregnancy Fun
Throughout the pregnancy, I've found that other women, whether I know them or not, often feel free to share stories of their pregnancies and labors. While I appreciate some of the funny stories, the birthing horror stories I could do without. However, I do have some fun (and not so fun) pregnancy tidbits...
Cravings - I haven't had any incredible cravings, like all movies and TV shows would have you believe. I was a semi-vegetarian (chicken and fish only) for about 10 years, and then started craving beef early during pregnancy. So, I bucked up and began eating meat again. I must admit that it tastes good now. I also really dig chocolate milk, and I haven't liked any sort of milk since I was in grade school.
Cankles - Yes, my friends, they do exist. I have officially entered the land of cankles (a combination of calf/ankles). Instead of having actual ankles now, I have lovely tree trunks. At lease it's not painful.
Big Baby Belly - My funniest pregnancy moment this far occurred this week. I'm not sure that I'll ever top it either. After using the restroom at the Metro Transit Station (because my commute is an hour, but I have to go every half-hour), I went to the sink to wash my hands. As we ladies do, I was adjusting my hair in the mirror. Suddenly, the automatic hand faucet began to run. With my hands up by my head and no where near the sink, I was perplexed. That is, until I saw my big, baby belly was dangerously close to the sink and was actually the trigger. I never dreamt that I would be large enough to set off an automatic faucet!
I'm sure I'll think of some other funny stories in the near future, and we all know that labor and delivery will bring a few. However, right now, this mommy-to-be is exhausted and going to watch the Twins!
Cravings - I haven't had any incredible cravings, like all movies and TV shows would have you believe. I was a semi-vegetarian (chicken and fish only) for about 10 years, and then started craving beef early during pregnancy. So, I bucked up and began eating meat again. I must admit that it tastes good now. I also really dig chocolate milk, and I haven't liked any sort of milk since I was in grade school.
Cankles - Yes, my friends, they do exist. I have officially entered the land of cankles (a combination of calf/ankles). Instead of having actual ankles now, I have lovely tree trunks. At lease it's not painful.
Big Baby Belly - My funniest pregnancy moment this far occurred this week. I'm not sure that I'll ever top it either. After using the restroom at the Metro Transit Station (because my commute is an hour, but I have to go every half-hour), I went to the sink to wash my hands. As we ladies do, I was adjusting my hair in the mirror. Suddenly, the automatic hand faucet began to run. With my hands up by my head and no where near the sink, I was perplexed. That is, until I saw my big, baby belly was dangerously close to the sink and was actually the trigger. I never dreamt that I would be large enough to set off an automatic faucet!
I'm sure I'll think of some other funny stories in the near future, and we all know that labor and delivery will bring a few. However, right now, this mommy-to-be is exhausted and going to watch the Twins!
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Cousins
The bad news this week is that I lost my cell phone on the way home from work on Monday. The good news is that my fancy new cell phone takes fantastic pictures. Between my phone and new digital camera, I think we'll have plenty of pictures of baby joey for years to come.
Baby joey has four loving cousins anxiously awaiting his arrival - Alex (8), Mackenzie (5), Ian (2) and Lindsey (1).
As these four little people are my favorite in the world, I spend loads of time with all of them. Each have offered some fun words of wisdom...
Lindsey isn't quite sure what is happening yet, but she loves babies and digs all the baby things around the house. She loves to give hugs and kisses, and I imagine she will shower them on our little one.
Ian loves to talk to baby joey already, and asks often if "the baby is kicking". He has fun digging through all the fun stuff that came from the shower. He affectionately gives Joey "kisses" and loves to show Nene the baby in his tummy. He's also excited to have Nene (and by default baby joey) living with him for a little bit. We'll see what he thinks when this baby actually invades his house!
Alex and Mackenzie (of whom I don't have photos yet because they are much quicker than their little sister and cousin) are both excited for the baby's impending arrival as well. Both have suggested that we name the baby after an apostle, which tells me their Catholic schooling is working :)
I hope to have some more photos of various family members (and maybe mommy) up soon!
Baby joey has four loving cousins anxiously awaiting his arrival - Alex (8), Mackenzie (5), Ian (2) and Lindsey (1).
As these four little people are my favorite in the world, I spend loads of time with all of them. Each have offered some fun words of wisdom...
Lindsey isn't quite sure what is happening yet, but she loves babies and digs all the baby things around the house. She loves to give hugs and kisses, and I imagine she will shower them on our little one.
Ian loves to talk to baby joey already, and asks often if "the baby is kicking". He has fun digging through all the fun stuff that came from the shower. He affectionately gives Joey "kisses" and loves to show Nene the baby in his tummy. He's also excited to have Nene (and by default baby joey) living with him for a little bit. We'll see what he thinks when this baby actually invades his house!Alex and Mackenzie (of whom I don't have photos yet because they are much quicker than their little sister and cousin) are both excited for the baby's impending arrival as well. Both have suggested that we name the baby after an apostle, which tells me their Catholic schooling is working :)
I hope to have some more photos of various family members (and maybe mommy) up soon!
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
34 Weeks!
We have officially hit 34 weeks, and mommy is getting very antsy for baby joey's arrival. I can't say that I'm enjoying having my bladder used as a recreational trampoline, or the constant kicking, but I'm glad he's happy and having fun.
I go back to the doctor in 2 weeks. This is the final 2 week appointment; then it goes down to once per week. We're all crossing our fingers that he doesn't decide to arrive during the week of May 8th, while daddy has finals and grandma & grandpa Stanton are in Vegas!
I go back to the doctor in 2 weeks. This is the final 2 week appointment; then it goes down to once per week. We're all crossing our fingers that he doesn't decide to arrive during the week of May 8th, while daddy has finals and grandma & grandpa Stanton are in Vegas!
Saturday, March 18, 2006
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