Thursday, January 31, 2013

Birth Story

Several people have asked me to share my birth story so here is a recap of the events that took place starting with the day I went into labor.

It all started Wednesday morning, January 23, 2013. B was planning on going into the office for a half days work so he was up and out the door by 7am. I let Newts out to go to the bathroom and then nestled back in bed for another hour. When I woke up I had new feelings, uncomfortable ones we call surges (contractions) in HypnoBirthing. Something had started. I called B just before his 9am meeting to let him know the latest and he said he'd be home as soon as he could. His meeting lasted all of 10 minutes and he was home by 9:30am.
But while I waited for him to get home, I wobbled out of bed and made myself a breakfast smoothie (packed with spinach and fruit) because I wasn't sure if that would be the last thing I would be eating for the rest of the day. If this was going to be game time I wanted to make sure I had something filling and healthy. I scrubbed the counters one last time (don't ask why) watered the plants, brushed my teeth, pretty much kept myself busy while all at the same time, resting every 4-7 mins for a surge. I'd grip the countertop for an instance, remember my breathing and release my grip and soon enough the 45-50 seconds of discomfort was over and B was home before I knew it.

He was so excited, also nervous Because he knew it was happening and it was time to follow my lead. He helped me get into the bath, he helped me into the shower, packed the car, ran the spare key to the neighbors, called the grandparents to inform them that the baby was coming soon!

A few hours went by and at about 3pm I made the decision that it was getting time for us to go to labor & delivery and that time was now. B called in to tell the staff that we had a 30 minute drive and that we'd be at the hospital soon. It was starting to rain and we knew the traffic started soon.

We got to the hospital parking lot just before 4pm. I walked myself inside (a goal of mine I had to follow through with) taking a breath with each surge. We finally made it upstairs to labor and delivery, I couldn't believe the time had come for us to birth our baby. I was excited, and not gonna lie, a wee bit nervous. I was examined as part of our arrival process and found to be 3cm+ (almost 4). To be admitted you HAVE to be 4cm, which the medical world considers the beginning of "active labor". The nurses gave us a few hours (knowing we drove through rain and traffic) to relax in a temporary room and allow my cervix to dilate a bit further so we could be fully admitted and get more comfortable with our belongings. We walked the hallways for a bit ( me in the not so cute hospital gown and grippy socks but really you don't even care). We walked at a glacial pace, hand in hand. We laughed, I breathed, He was there for me every step of the way. When we finished walking (after about 45 minutes) our nurse suggested I take a warm shower. However, returning from our walk and just moments after stepping foot into our temporary triage room, my water broke. It happened, I mean this was it. This is really happening!!! It made me nervous, and it made Brian relieved. Brian then reminded me; "Honey, we're for sure getting admitted now. We going to have a baby soon!" I hopped in the shower and cried tears of joy. Was I ready for this?!?

After the walk and the short shower which took only an hour and a half, I was dilated to 5cm! We were officially admitted to labor & delivery and labor was about to get intense for me. I breathed, I meditated and breathed some more with the wonderful help from B standing right by my side the entire time (never leaving my sight). It was so comforting to have him there. Although I did tell him to "shut up" a hand full of times, I couldn't imagine him not being a major part in helping me birth our baby. It took took both of us.

I was dehydrated, was given a saline drip and told to drink water lots of water. Soon after, at 6cm dilated, the surges became unbearable. I started vomiting and thought to myself: "change of plans folks, I want an epidural". Brian asked me once, then asked twice if I was sure. He knew not to ask a third time because that was our game plan, we had discussed these things prior to going into labor and if things were to change from our original HypnoBirthing plan (which was to birth without medication or medical intervention) we knew how to support each other. I was sure I wanted it and he was on board, without hesitation. It was the right decision for our family.

After the epidural (really didn't hurt at all, then again needles don't bother me) I was able to have visitors and converse with my parents for an hour. I was still able to breath my way through surges and reached 9cm in no time. The surges were beginning to get intense again, closer together accompanied with the urge to push. She was coming. With the approval and guidance of Brian and the nurses I was ready and able push when I wanted.

All I could think about at this point was "can I really do this?!?" I voiced that to Brian a few times. He was so supportive and so sweet. He encouraged me that I could, that I was, and that meeting our daughter was just a matter of minutes away. And so, it began. It took 45 minutes of pushing before Baby Flora entered the world at 1:17am.

I did it. Flora and I did it. No, Flora, Brian and I did it, together as a family. It was the most beautiful and spiritual moment that Brian and I have ever shared. A moment we'll never forget. She is our daughter, and only just moments old we were already so in love. A love you can't express until you give birth, see your baby, and become a parent.

Its hard to imagine, but Brian and I have fallen even more madly in love with one another after sharing this milestone together. We were now parents, with a daughter and we are ready to take on our new roles and conquer the world together. And we have done just that.

Flora-bear, mommy and daddy love you.











Wednesday, January 30, 2013

What a Joy!

Today is Flora's 6th day of life.

She's settling in to her new surroundings just perfectly. She's such a sweet baby.












Friday, January 25, 2013

Baby Flora has arrived!

Please welcome to the world,

Flora Anne Costa

Born 1/24/13
7 lbs 8 oz
21 inches



















Monday, January 21, 2013

25 Rules for Mothers & Daughters

I came across this Pinterest post around the time Brian and I started trying for a baby back in late March 2012. Not knowing at the time if and when I was going to get pregnant or how soon or long it could take, let alone if we would have a daughter or son, I fell in love with these beautiful reminders of when raising a daughter.

Knowing our precious daughter will be entering this wild and crazy yet wonderfully beautiful world in just a matter of hours and days I decided to re-read this today. I'm ready to raise her to be a strong-willed, compassionate and kind young woman, never afraid to ask questions or speak her mind and share her opinion.

*Flora-Bear, Mommy and Daddy are ready to hold you sweetheart. You come when you're ready baby girl, we'll be here with open arms and warm hearts to greet you and welcome you into this world.

We love you forever and beyond.

25 Rules for Mothers of Daughters.


1. Paint her nails. Then let her scratch it off and dirty them up. Teach her to care about her appearance, and then quickly remind her that living and having fun is most important.

2. Let her put on your makeup, even if it means bright-red-smudged lips and streaked-blue eyes. Let her experiment in her attempts to be like you…then let her be herself.

3. Let her be wild. She may want to stay home and read books on the couch, or she may want to hop on the back of a motorcycle-gasp. She may be a homebody or a traveler. She may fall in love with the wrong boy, or meet mr. right at age 5. Try to remember that you were her age once. Everyone makes mistakes, let her make her own.

4. Be present. Be there for her at her Kindergarten performances, her dance recitals, her soccer games…her everyday-little-moments. When she looks through the crowds of people, she will be looking for your smile and pride. Show it to her as often as possible.

5. Encourage her to try on your shoes and play dress-up. If she would rather wear her brother’s superman cape with high heals, allow it. If she wants to wear a tutu or dinosaur costume to the grocery store, why stop her? She needs to decide who she is and be confident in her decision.

6. Teach her to be independent. Show her by example that woman can be strong. Find and follow your own passions. Search for outlets of expression and enjoyment for yourself- not just your husband or children. Define yourself by your own attributes, not by what others expect you to be. Know who you are as a person, and help your daughter find out who she is.

7. Pick flowers with her. Put them in her hair. There is nothing more beautiful than a girl and a flower.

8. Let her get messy. Get messy with her, no matter how much it makes you cringe inside. Splash in the puddles, throw snowballs, make mud pies, finger paint the walls: just let it happen. The most wonderful of memories are often the messy ones.

9. Give her good role models- you being one of them. Introduce her to successful woman- friends, co-workers, doctors, astronauts, or authors. Read to her about influential woman- Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie. Read her the words of inspirational woman- Jane Austen, Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson. She should know that anything is possible.

10. Show her affection. Daughters will mimic the compassion of their mother. “I love yous” and Eskimo kisses go a long way.

11. Hold her hand. Whether she is 3 years-old in the parking lot or sixteen years old in the mall, hold on to her always- this will teach her to be confident in herself and proud of her family.

12. Believe in her. It is the moments that she does not believe in herself that she will need you to believe enough for both of you. Whether it is a spelling test in the first grade, a big game or recital, a first date, or the first day of college…remind her of the independent and capable woman you have taught her to be.

13. Tell her how beautiful she is. Whether it is her first day of Kindergarten, immediately after a soccer game where she is grass-stained and sweaty, or her wedding day. She needs your reminders. She needs your pride. She needs your reassurance. She is only human.
14. Love her father. Teach her to love a good man, like him. One who lets her be herself…she is after all wonderful.

15. Make forts with boxes and blankets. Help her to find magic in the ordinary, to imagine, to create and to believe in fairy tales. Someday she will make her 5 by 5 dorm-room her home with magic touches and inspiration. And she will fall in love with a boy and believe him to be Prince Charming.

16. Read to her. Read her Dr. Seuss and Eric Carle. But also remember the power of Sylvia Plath and Robert Frost. Show her the beauty of words on a page and let her see you enjoy them. Words can be simply written and simply spoken, yet can harvest so much meaning. Help her to find their meaning.

17. Teach her how to love- with passion and kisses. Love her passionately. Love her father passionately and her siblings passionately. Express your love. Show her how to love with no restraint. Let her get her heart broken and try again. Let her cry, and gush, giggle and scream. She will love like you love or hate like you hate. So, choose love for both you and her.

18. Encourage her to dance and sing. Dance and sing with her- even if it sounds or looks horrible. Let her wiggle to nursery rhymes. Let her dance on her daddy's feet and spin in your arms. Then later, let her blast noise and headbang in her bedroom with her door shut if she wants. Or karaoke to Tom Petty in the living room if she would rather. Introduce her to the classics- like The Beatles- and listen to her latest favorite- like Taylor Swift. Share the magic of music together, it will bring you closer- or at least create a soundtrack to your life together.

19. Share secrets together. Communicate. Talk. Talk about anything. Let her tell you about boys, friends, school. Listen. Ask questions. Share dreams, hopes, concerns. She is not only your daughter, you are not only her mother. Be her friend too.

20. Teach her manners. Because sometimes you have to be her mother, not just her friend. The world is a happier place when made up of polite words and smiles.

21. Teach her when to stand-up and when to walk away. Whether she has classmates who tease her because of her glasses, or a boyfriend who tells her she is too fat- let her know she does not have to listen. Make sure she knows how to demand respect- she is worthy of it. It does not mean she has to fight back with fists or words, because sometimes you say more with silence. Also make sure she knows which battles are worth fighting. Remind her that some people can be mean and nasty because of jealousy, or other personal reasons. Help her to understand when to shut her mouth and walk-away. Teach her to be the bigger -the better- person.

22. Let her choose who she loves. Even when you see through the charming boy she thinks he is, let her love him without your disapproving words: she will anyway. When he breaks her heart, be there for her with words of support rather than I told-you-so. Let her mess up again and again until she finds the one. And when she finds the one, tell her.

23. Mother her. Being a mother—to her—is undoubtedly one of your greatest accomplishments. Share with her the joys of motherhood, so one day she will want to be a mother too. Remind her over and over again with words and kisses that no one will ever love her like you love her. No one can replace or replicate a mother’s love for their children.

24. Comfort her. Because sometimes you just need your mommy. When she is sick, rub her back, make her soup and cover her in blankets- no matter how old she is. Someday, if she is giving birth to her own child, push her hair out of her face, encourage her, and tell her how beautiful she is. These are the moments she will remember you for. And someday when her husband rubs her back in attempt to comfort her...she may just whisper, "I need my mommy."

25. Be home. When she is sick with a cold or broken heart, she will come to you: welcome her. When she is engaged or pregnant, she will run to you to share her news: embrace her. When she is lost or confused, she will search for you: find her. When she needs advice on boys, schools, friends or an outfit: tell her. She is your daughter and will always need a safe harbor- where she can turn a key to see comforting eyes and a familiar smile: be home.























Sunday, January 20, 2013

40 Weeks-Flora's Due Date!

Although this posting is a day late, Flora's due date came and went yesterday with a bang!

With feeling what I believe to be are mini surges since early Saturday morning (12:30am-4am) and again throughout the day yesterday, we've been walking and walking... and more walking! Meditating and breathing like nobody's business.

We know she'll be here so, so soon!

Now, how about them Niners?!? Game starts at 12pm today and we can hardly wait!!! On the menu: homemade wonton jalapeƱo poppers & spinach artichoke dip with carrot sticks and blue corn chips. No beer or crazy shots today for B in case he needs to drive us to the hospital.

Happy Sunday party people!









Friday, January 18, 2013

Meditation Master

It's Friday!!! and a beautiful day outside and I felt so good this morning that I woke up with B at 5am, made myself a fruit smoothie and we had breakfast together. Then the animals and I fell back asleep until 8:15am. I felt so well rested, despite the frequent trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night (a nightly occurrence you get used to early in the third trimester) I suited up Newton and we drove to a local park in Lucas Valley where I was able to let him off leash to play with the other dogs, and I was able to sit and relax in the sunshine and reflect on the past 9 months and relish in these last few days before Flora arrives. It was a peaceful morning to say the least.

As for the afternoon, I've been re- reading chapters in our HypnoBirthing book with my feet up, cozy in the recliner. At the same time I've been practicing my breathing techniques in combination with a meditation album by Steve Halpern that relaxes me like nothing else. These days, I'm a master at meditating- I "go out" every time and when I "come back" I feel so relaxed and refreshed. This is very calming to me because of how it will tie into me birthing naturally in just a matter of days.

Now back to my book and enjoying the coziness of nesting at Home alone, until Briannis off work in a couple of hours. Then it's on to my nightly routine...a bath or hot shower, meditation, love and hugs from B and quiet time together for the last few nights as a beautiful family of two.



Monday, January 14, 2013

I've Hit The Wall

Ok, after 39 weeks (and 3 days) of an easy breezy pregnancy, I've FINALLY hit the wall- I'm "done" with being pregnant.

I've past ALL my tests and lab work with flying colors, gained the pregnancy pounds I've reluctantly needed, added a few stretch marks to my tummy, grown a healthy and active baby, snored loud enough for the past month for my Husband to sleep in the guest room, ate enough penne pasta and homemade fruit smoothies to fed everyone in my neighborhood, nested, craved, bitched (surprisingly just a wee bit), cried a ton, sent Hubby on a midnight run (for heartburn medicine!), read and researched everything baby, slept, tossed and turned, and concluded that Baby Flora can now enter the world...like tonight...or tomorrow or within the hour even!!! Like ANYDAY now, puh-lease lol. Mommy wants her body back.

On that note-time to meditate, pop a Zantac and hop in bed.

Sweet dreams ;)


Saturday, January 12, 2013

39 Weeks-size of a mini watermelon

Wooooweee! I had a pretty decent nights sleep last night which must explain my boost of energy this morning! I whipped up a scrumptious veggie egg scramble, bacon and bagels, threw on a new playlist and did a little dancing to start off our weekend! The sun is shining, house is cozy and we have only 7 days left until Baby Flora's due date!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm telling you, it's like Christmas every morning around here. We wake up and don't know if our little present is going to arrive but the anticipation is soooo exciting in itself!

Nursery is 98% done-ok in reality if she was born today she'd be fine, meaning we have the necessities. But with my crazy decorating-self I'd like a few more art pieces on the wall, still need mobiles, a hamper and a tiny side table next to the glider. But that'll all come over the next few weeks. I'll be posting pictures of her nursery once I feel we have everything so check back for the grand tour of Little Miss Flora and her little nest.

Since I started off the morning with a BANG!, I'll now stubbornly follow the Dr's orders to stay off my feet, relax and drink tons of water. Therefore, while B's outside putting together our new racks for our sweet new kayaks and mowing the lawns, I'll be catching up on my reality tv.

Have a fabulous day peeps! And those watching the 49ers playoff game this evening, throw back a few in my honor!!!! Go Niners!!!!! ;)

Friday, January 11, 2013

Dr's Orders

Dr's orders from today's appointment: rest, water, and to stay off my feet. Hmm, this could be hard. I think it's time to really kick my meditation into HIGH gear...

Also, have I mentioned these two are obsessed with my baby belly?!? They can sense their sissy is coming soon!


Namaste*







Saturday, January 5, 2013

38 Weeks-size of a leek

2 weeks until Flora's due date!!!!!!!

She's about 20 inches long and weighs about 7 lbs according to her gestational age. Although my guess is that she is going to be 21 inches and between 6 lbs 11oz-7 lbs 4 oz when she is born. Brian's prediction is more like 7-8 lbs.

I'm 50% effaced and still 1cm dilated according to my doctor's appointment Thursday afternoon. Cervix is thinning perfectly he said and the right "texture." He also re-confirmed her head is still down and "right there!" He recommended that I don't change anything about my daily routine i.e. walking, cleaning, running errands and that I have an incredibly positive and confident perspective on birthing naturally and also said I should count my blessings because I've been so lucky with having an easy pregnancy.

Still no surges (that's what Hypnobirthing mothers call "contractions") that I can identify, heartburn about 3 nights a week, and over a period of 9 months I've gained 22.5 lbs! Ekks! Not too terrible in my book ...

Brian went on a 4 mile hike today with Newton and a buddy of his and his dog so I've had the day to myself. I was able to deep clean the house and make a big batch of freshly baked raspberry chocolate chip cookies. Catching up on my reality shows and enjoying the warm and cozy indoors-not a bad day at all.

Happy Saturday Dolls!



Thursday, January 3, 2013

Wonderful News!

My three girlfriends from our HypnoBirthing class have all had their babies! (They were all due a few weeks ahead of me to begin with.) Though they were all born a few days over their due date, 12/24, 12/29 and 1/1, they all entered this world with smooth, easy births (thanks to our Hypnobirthing techniques I'm sure!) and are healthy as can be! Mamas too! I can't stop crying as I'm so extremely happy for their new bundles of joy!

This only means one thing for me, that I'm next! So beautiful, so wonderful! I'm so excited! I have all the confidence in the world that we will have a smooth, calm, easy birth, in just a matter of days! Please send your blessings and positive thoughts our way for the beautiful birth of our baby girl, Flora Anne. Due January 19th, if not before ;)

I'm so proud of you ladies!!!!! And can't wait for our little ones to meet and share the special bond that we have already built between us, this time as mamas!



Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Happy New Year!

Last night we rung in the new year by ordering take-out from our favorite local Chinese restaurant (they have the best orange chicken and garlic chicken w/green beans!), watched trashy tv and hit the hay by 9:30. It was fantastic.

As for today, we sprung out of bed around 7:00 and took Newts for a 1 mile walk, accompanied by Flora's new stroller-the 2012 Uppa Vista in Mica. It was our first test run with the stroller out of the house and it went well. Newton didn't seem to notice it and it rides great on the curb and on uneven terrain.

Afterwards we lounged around the tv and watched a little bit of the Rose Parade, had breakfast smoothies (organic peach slices that we harvested from our tree this past Fall, blueberries, almond milk, a banana, and raspberries) and I felt the need to pour B Happy New Year shots (vodka cran). Somebody has to drink today! ;)

B had an itch to go somewhere so we cruised over to Napa Valley to pick up our champagne shipment at Domaine Carneros and enjoyed a complimentary champagne flight and some goodies. Wanting to walk as much as my body will let me these days, we went exploring through The Cornerstone Gardens which showcases several different sculptures and gardens from artists across the world. Some were pretty spectacular others I couldn't quite understand the meaning or materials that were used. Nonetheless, it was nice to stroll around and would be a fun place to go back and have a picnic with friends (and champagne!) during Spring or Summer.

We're ending the first day of the new year with yet another mile walk around the neighborhood (can you tell I'm excited to get labor started?!?), B's making dinner and the animals and I plan on snuggling up by the fire for the remainder of the evening.