A beautiful day :)

I had such a nice day today!

Let's rewind. As I said in my post from yesterday, Maya was up all night on Wednesday. She went down around 11 pm... was up at 1, 2:30, 4, and 6 am. And it took me a while to get her down after each waking. By 6:30, I was going out of my mind with exhaustion, and H took over so I could get 2 cherished hours of sleep.

I was SO worried about how she was going to be last night, as I was on my own with her. Yes, the dreaded one night each week where H is down south with steppie. It's like a real anxiety. All of a sudden I start doubting my ability to soothe her or to be able to handle the situation. I know it will get easier as I get more practice at it (and it becomes routine), but we're still at the start line. So I need to be patient with myself.

Anyhow, they say that at the newborn stage, sleep begets sleep. The more little ones sleep during the day, the more they sleep at night. Seems counter-intuitive for us adults, but for wee ones, that's the way it is. So as soon as H left yesterday morning, I took a deep breath, and said it was my mission to get this little one to nap really well. Just sleeeeep away!

And that she did! We soothed, rocked, and the girl was out like a light. She ate, went back down. I felt like I was walking on eggshells after putting her down for each nap, but my girl was out like a light.

Last night, she went down around 10:45, and I jumped into bed. Took deep belly breaths, hoping it would lure me into a sleep. Eventually it did. Little Maya decided to get up at 1 am. Holy shit I thought - here we go again. I nursed her and she was out in a minute. Put her back down, and she was up again at 2:00. Ack! Nursed her again (for longer), and changed her, and put her back down. She was out right away. Didn't get up again until 5:30 am. Score! Fed her again, changed her, and she went back to sleep until 8:30 am! I was so, so relieved and happy. Granted, I was still groggy, but I brought her into bed with me and we snuggled till past 9. I woke up feeling really refreshed.

My stepdad came over in the morning to see us. This is really big, since my stepdad is not an openly emotional person and definitely not one that reaches out. I was really touched that he wanted to come by. He never really holds babies, but I forced him to hold little Maya. She loved him! She kept smiling, smiling, smiling. Of course right now the smiles are all just reflex or gasses, but he got the greatest kick out of it. I've never heard him laugh with such happiness.


At 11 am my mom came over and out we went! The three of us (Maya, Mom and I), took a beautiful drive through Calabasas and the hills to Malibu. It was so beautiful! I was so grateful to be out in the beautiful nature. My mom was also so happy to do it. We drove around Malibou Lake and just admired the gorgeous mountains and beautiful homes. It is so majestic out there!

We went to eat a lovely restaurant in Pt. Dume. We had ocean views and lovely breezes. Ahhh, just what the doctor ordered!



We stopped at Starbucks in the Colony on the way home, and I was back by 3. Maya was zonked out the whole time, save for feedings and changings. My wakeful one became such a sleeper! Hooray!

This evening my dad stopped by, and finally H and steppie got home. My cohesive family unit is back. Hooray. I'm off solo duty, until the next time ;)

Not much time to post...

As my normally pretty decent sleeper has decided to throw mommy for a loop the last 24 hours!! She was up every 1-2 hours last night! Le sigh!

But nonetheless, little Miss Maya and her mama wanted to wish everyone a very happy Halloween! Have fun!






xoxo from the both of us!

Week 3 updates!

So, we are officially 3 weeks old. In week 4 of life. It's funny - you count weeks of pregnancy in the same manner, and you just can't wait (or at least I couldn't) to stop thinking of things in terms of weeks, and then here we are again! LOL. Well, simply said, the first 3 weeks of pregnancy are a breeze... you don't even know you're pregnant! First 3 weeks of a baby are a whole other story.

Maya has been doing really well. We have come across some "developmental" or "growth" issues that you read about. Cluster feeding, growth spurts, baby acne, seborrhea, just to name a few. It's a fun business, let me tell you.

I've been doing really well. Last Wednesday night was my first night alone with her, and I now realize in retrospect that this was the main source of my sadness/anxiety last week. See, it's not that H does much during the night. If anything, he puts her to bed so that I can run to sleep around 10 or 11 pm and catch a few hours of sleep before she gets up at night for her first feed. But once the night feedings start, it's all me. Makes sense - I've got the boobs, right? And I'm not working right now, so I don't expect H to fuss over her during the night. Wouldn't be right. But I think it's just the security of knowing your husband is there... that you are not alone, that makes the difference.

Well, on Wednesday my two great girlfriends came over and that made ALL the difference in the world!


We chatted and hung out, and Maya was on her best behavior. That's my girl! They left around 8:30 ish, and by 10 or 10:30, she was asleep and did really well for mama. I was so relieved. Once Thursday morning hit, I felt so accomplished - I did it! And I haven't had one moment of sadness or anxiety since. This week I'll be solo on Thursday, but I know I can do it... even if Maya decides to give me a harder time the second time around. Pray for me, folks :)

Oh - other new developments... Before H left on Wednesday, we went out for lunch! Yes, that's right, we left the house for a non-doctor visit. Lunch at Chili's. Big time excitement. It was nice to get out though... and be among other adults! Maya slept like a charm the whole time, god bless.

We had a nice weekend. On Saturday we went to get Maya's handprint and footprint done. They were doing it at A Mother's Haven, a baby/maternity store near our house. When the lady looked at Maya's foot, she said, "wow, your kid has big feet! And long fingers!" We giggled, still unsure how we created this "healthy in size" gal. She did great though. I can't wait to get the footprint/handprint, which we are having put on a picture frame, with her name, and her age, 3 weeks. It will be such a perfect memento as she gets older! Afterward we went to get breakfast and stopped for H to get his haircut. It was a big day for all of us!

On Sunday I also actually left Maya with H, and went out solo to get a manicure and pedicure. Wow, this was huge. I got in my car, turned up the radio LOUD, put all the windows down, and just took in a deep, deep breath. Freedom! For about an hour and a half :) I got to the nail place and all the ladies asked me if I missed my baby. I honestly told them, "No, she's with her dad. I'm happy to be out solo!" I even squeezed in a Trader Joe's run afterward and came home feeling rejuvenated and new. Isn't it amazing... I never used to even like getting my nails done... always saw it as more of a chore. But on Sunday, it was a right of passage!

Now, for some sweet pics of my girl:




Daddy giving her the bottle. Ahhh, the baby coma powers of breast milk! This nightly bottle saves my nights.


Daddy, sleeping with baby:


Me, all rejuvenated after my mani/pedi:


Oh, and today I FINALLY tried my Moby wrap. The lady at A Mother's Haven on Saturday helped show me how to use it and today I finally went for it. Look at my girl in the cradle wrap!


She was zonked out in there for like 2 hours. It was fab. The only thing I didn't like about the cradle wrap was that her breathing was so heavy. So I think tomorrow we'll try the hug hold, which keeps her body more upright.

I love my girl. Look at all the new stuff she's opened me up to :)

A whole lotta NUTTIN'

Wow, so today is Maya's two weekday! Happy two weekday to you, happy two weekday to you! It's literally incredible to think that ALL THIS has gone down in a mere two weeks. Phew... incredible really :)

Thank the baby gods, Maya is doing great! She is eating well, sleeping well, and seems to be a very content baby. I am so grateful for this!

We had our first non-doctor outing on Thursday night... going ALL THE WAY down the street to H's brother's house for Sukkot. Sukkot is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the historical pilgrimage of the Jews to the temple in Jerusalem. The holiday lasts for seven days, and what is nice about it is that you eat all meals in a sukkah, or a temporary outdoor structure that you build. Traditionally these are built of wood and big palm leaves, and the meals are festive and joyful. BIL and SIL built a beautiful one at their house built of 2x4s and white sheets, but it was still beautiful and full of great flowers and decorations. Sadly I have no pictures because the hub has the camera today, darn it.

Maya did really well during her outing. She is not a fan of being in strapped in her carseat, which has made me less inclined to go anywhere unless necessary at this stage. It has also been SO hot the past two weeks that I haven't wanted to even venture outside. That is kind of hard for me -- I am not one to sit home all day and if anything, this little period has convinced me that the SAHM lifestyle is not for me. Anyways, I have had a few crying spells -- which is really so out of the ordinary for me - but they are short lived and undoubtedly fueled by hormones, lack of sleep, and again, some sense of frustration at being so tied down to the house right now. I know this will change - she is a newborn - and so I am doing my best to remind myself of that whenever I feel vulnerable or sad on the subject. I love being a mama to this little bundle of joy and providing her with nutrients, sustenance and comfort - she is such a pleasure and such a sweet little muffin. As far as the frustration, I just have to remind myself, that this too shall pass.

So anyways, sorry for that diversion. The dinner at the in-laws was very nice, and Maya eventually dozed off in SIL's arms. We made it back home, and she was definitely stimulated by being outside for so long, and being around so many people. I fed her, and then H took over getting her comforted and eventually to sleep. Thank god - as it allowed me to hop into bed and pass the eff out. That's how quick I fall asleep these days. Before I even think about it.

Steppie has been with us too this weekend. She loves her little sister incredibly. Sometimes, just as Maya is getting into chill-mode, Steppie comes by and and wants to express some love to her sister, and that expression is of the loud and not delicate variety. Le sigh... Steppie had a friend sleep over last night and all I can say is H took her to her soccer game today so the house is quiet. Maya and I are both appreciative.

Once she's up from her nap, I'll feed her and then we'll go out on a walk in our bassinet/pram Orbit attachment! Whee, I am so grateful for this. If I had to now strap her into her carseat I might think twice, but with the pram, it's easy breezy!

Anyways, this post was a bit long-winded and unfocused, but it's what I've got right now. Exciting life, isn't it?

Our First Week in Review

Maya's one weekday was on Saturday, so this is coming a little bit late, but ahh well. You write when you get a chance!

I can say that is has been a really full week that required so many new things of me, and also made me experience such a wide variety of emotions. It's amazing that you can go from being your own person one minute, to being fully responsible for a new little being the next. And all of a sudden you are required to do things you have never done before. Being responsible for someone else, even when you are tired. When you don't know if you can keep your eyes open. When the highs and lows of hormone swings are upon you. It's wonderful, it's hard, it's a whirlwind. But it is such a wholly satisfying thing to be going through - words don't fully describe it.

We have had so much family over here, which I love. It totally rejuvenates me. In addition to my mom being here, my sister has been here every day... my BIL SIL, and their two kids have been coming by. My FIL. My dad. On Saturday, H's ex-stepbrother, who he completely considers a brother, came over with his wife and their two kids. They are such a wonderful little family unit. My sister and good friend C were here, and we all just hung out family style.





We had so much fun! My SIL is a SAHM, but with 2 under two, she totally has her hands full. She's a great resource of information for me, and it so eager to share and give me tips. They have given us lots of stuff that they don't need anymore - a swing, lots of baby carriers, boppy pillows, etc.

Here is her little girl, giving Maya a hug:


And daddies holding babies:



Yesterday, in honor of Sapta (which means Grandma in Hebrew) coming over, Maya decided to put on her finest attire:


Awwww - too cute!

We also spent some time getting some fresh air outside yesterday. According to Dr. Spock, spending 1-2 hours outside is great for little newbies. Unfortunately, he probably didn't take into account the major fire action we have going on in the LA area right now...





So that's what our days have been like. Mellow, easy, nice. I have officially been blessed with a pretty chill baby. She is awake in the morning for a few hours, and at night for a few hours, but other than that, she pretty much sleeps all day, save for food and diaper breaks.

Not bad I tell you, not bad!

My little Maya :)

It's been quite a break from blogger-land my friends... and that is because my little munchkin-face is here!

Many of you know this already :)

Here are the details:

Maya Sophia
born on October 4, 2008
at 2:46 in the afternoon
9 lbs
21 inches

It was such a beautiful, memorable experience. As you may know, I had a c-section... actually, I may not have ever mentioned this here. But in the few weeks before my due date, my doctor mentioned that c-section may be the route we take. The baby was measuring "healthy in size", and based on my petite frame, my doctor was just concerned that she wasn't going to fit out, and a very difficult vaginal delivery would end in c-section as well. So at my 40 week appointment, we all decided to just plan for a c-section from the start. I was nervous at making that call, but excited that we had a date in mind and that in 3 days, I would be a mama!

The c-section was scheduled at 2:30 on Saturday, October 4th - and we had to be at the hospital at 12-12:30. They put me in triage to get me set up. A fetal monitor, some general questions, paperwork. H was hanging with me. My mom and sister showed up. My dad showed up. Everyone was excited. My doctor came at about noon, and then we got the show on the road.

H and I walked into the operating room area, and he waited outside in the hallway while the nice nurse took me into a specific room. I have to say I was quite nervous. The operating room was stark white, cold, clean - as an OR should be I suppose. The anesthesiologist was there, and she was very sweet - asking me questions, but in a very cool, calm way. I do appreciate that they try to keep the energy "light" in there - music playing, cracking jokes.... but to be honest, it did little to ease my nerves. My doc, who is really a rock star of OBGYNs, was also being adorable. Much love to Dr. W!

So - one, two, three - and onto the operating table! The anesthesiologist had me curve my back, and she put some Betadiene on there to clean it, and told me I'd feel a sharp poke, and things would start to go numb. Oh great. I took a deep breath and tried in inhale as much strength and confidence as I could, and went for it. The needle did hurt, quite a bit. And soon my body started to feel very warm, and they quickly had me lie down. Within minutes, everything from my chest down was numb, or felt like big sandbags. I did not like this, and I can imagine if you are claustrophobic, you might really be freaked out by it. I just kept my eyes closed and kept thinking of being on the beach in Hawaii. I was saying it to myself - "You are on the beach in Hawaii, you are on the beach in Hawaii." It did help - a little.

A moment later they brought H in, and got the show on the road. My lovely H held my hand - I still had my eyes closed to try and be strong and get through the anxiety. He also cleverly took photos of what was going on on the other side of the big blue sheet they put up. The pictures aren't gross - they are actually quite cool and I'm thrilled he took them. I won't post them here though.

The next thing I knew, Dr. W or his assistant said, "You are going to feel some pressure now," and I felt them pushing on my stomach from top down. Dr. W then said, "Wow California Girl, this was a tight fit even for a c-section!" LOL, love my doc. And then, a moment later, I heard a cry. My baby was out!

It was such an incredible feeling. They pulled her out and took her over to the baby warmer table, where they quickly cleaned her off and H cut the cord. She looked so blue when she came out - I was almost worried that something was wrong with her! A moment later they wrapped her up and H brought her over to me, and by then she was pink and perfect.

Mama met her baby.



I had tears in my eyes through the whole thing. H was crying. For a non-vaginal birth, this was still so emotional and natural and awesome. It was literally perfect.

From the OR I went to recovery. They gave little Maya to me right away. I still could not move my legs at all. Weird.



In recovery we started to breastfeed right away. I love that I had her in my arms 15-20 minutes after the surgery and we were connected and breastfeeding right away. Hats off to the hospital. Really incredible job.

They then wanted to give her a proper bath and give me a chance to rest. Rest? With all that energy/excitement/drugs? Sheesh. I tried.



The rest of the night started to get foggy for me. We had all the family waiting at my hospital room. I was so thirsty, not having had ANYTHING to drink or eat all day, so I asked for some ice. But then I got these major nausea swings. Like I had to just close my eyes and breath it through. I saw all my family, but I didn't really see them... know what that's like?

Anyways, the stay at the hospital was great. So much support and so much care. We stayed until Tuesday mid-day. I had the same night nurse for each night, who was such a doll. Kristina - a Hungarian native, like much of my family - was so kind and real with me. The first night in the hospital I didn't sleep a wink. There are nurses coming in the room every damn hour - for vital signs, to check on the baby, etc. No way I could sleep with that, and all the energy/hormones rushing through my body.

When we got to the second night, Kristina told me like it is. The hospital and much of the medical information out there says that you need to feed your baby every 2-2.5 hours. OK, ummm, that's crazy! Especially if it's at night, when they are sleeping. You are going to wake them up while they are sleeping to feed them? The law of biology tells me that if you are hungry, you are going to wake up and cry for food. She told me that as a nurse, she has to say to feed your baby so often, but she wanted me to sleep so badly that she just let it happen as it should - naturally. Hallelujah. Loved her.

Coming home has been really great. My mom has been so dedicated to me every day, cooking amazingly wonderful food and keeping me company. Maya is a good little muffin. She had been getting frustrated with breastfeeding because my milk supply took a few days to come in. But now that we seem to be "in business" she is happy and is eating and is wonderful. She is an incredibly strong and healthy baby. Her weight has nothing to do with her being a "big" baby, ie fat. All of her newborn clothes are still big on her. She is just STRONG. Lifting her head on day one of life. Day one! Strong. Powerful. She's got arms that rival mine. Kicks that are major. I swear.




So far, being a mommy is the most wonderful thing ever. I'm so happy little Maya decided to bless me with her life.