Monday, April 27, 2009

2 WEEKS!

My baby girl is over 2 weeks. I can't believe it. My parents have been here helping and it has been one of the biggest blessings. They are going to be here for almost 2 more weeks...thank the Lord! Per request of my beloved brother...here are a few quick pics.












Saturday, April 18, 2009

The Lord knew, the Lord had planned

It's amazing how the Lord directs our paths...our sitting and our lying down. 10 months ago, the Lord surprised us with a baby in my womb. She was not part of our plans but was completely part of God's. He planned the conception of Isabelle, He knew of the difficulties we would face the week she was born and He saved her birthday to be on the most promising of days, Resurrection Sunday! May Jesus be praised!
On Tuesday, April 7th, some major things took place in our lives...that have the ability to change a lot of things for us. Hopefully one day soon, I will feel the liberty to be able to speak about it and to praise the Lord for being our shield and our defense. So, when all this stuff happened, I couldnt believe the timing of it all. How could this happen when we are about to bring a baby into this world? We immediately clung to our Heavenly Father and began to seek Him in a way that we hadn't before, or at least for a long time. We have realized the importance of memorizing scripture...it cleanses us, encourages us, helps us to not sin, helps us take our thoughts captive, and it frees us. I have seen my husband on his knees more than I ever have...He has washed me with the Word so many times a day, He prays over me...it has been so scary but yet so renewing. And I began to think about our lil Belle coming into our lives and I had to know that she probably couldnt have come at a better time...a time that her mommy and daddy have been ignited with a new passion for the Lord, a new sense of "desperation" for Him, a knowledge that our time here on this earth is going to pass away quickly...we need to be about our Father's business...and an urgency to pray to God on behalf of our daughter.

With that being said, Esteban and I went out on Saturday, April 11th, to do a bunch of appraisals. Throughout the first part of the day, I kinda "felt weird" down there. Like I had to pee so bad that it hurt ...and I just kept thinking that I was feeling this pain/pressure because i kept needing to pee. After a couple hours of this, I realized that this cramping feeling was happening pretty consistently every 7 minutes, I believe. (It's hard to remember, but i think it was 7 mins) You ought to have seen Este's face when I told him I think I'm having contractions. I think we were both thinking, "we have so many reports to do!!!" There was part of me that wondered if I was just imagining things or if this was really it...well, it was and we had to get home so I could attend to my "nesting!"
We finished up the inspections and made it home and I began typing like a crazy woman. I would write down on a piece of paper each time a contraction would start. I started writing it down at 8:02 pm and they were pretty consistent with being 6 mins apart..and they were totally doable! I used to have bad cramps with my menstrual cycle so I thought, "hmmm...maybe I could do this without any pain meds!" I remember the look on Este's face when I let him know that this is the real thing. He wiped his forehead and just looked at me with his eyebrows raised. I then started acting CRAZY. I would start crying so hard and then at the same time, I would want to laugh hysterically....which I would. I even tried to drink a little water after having a crying spell and had to spit it out because I was laughing so hard. I think my hormones must have been dancing!
So in between reports I was washing all of our clothes...not sure why that was so important to me, but it sure was!
After Este had got the reports done that were due for the next day, I encouraged him to go to bed so he could get some rest and told him I would wake him when it was time to go to the hospital. By 9:20 they were between 3-5 minutes apart but more consistently with 5. I kept working and washing! Close to 1 oclock they were pretty consistant with being 3-4 mins apart and they were def. getting more intense. I woke Este up around 2-2:15 (after I had showered and "got ready") and told him it's time to go. He popped up and started getting everything gathered. Along with our already packed suitcase, I had a list of 'last minute items' to gather and he went ahead and got all of those....along with the trash I asked him to throw out:) It seemed so bizarre to be on our way to the hospital. I had so many mixed emotions. I was sad b/c of the situation we were in and also because my family was not around. I was scared...I was gonna have to push this lil mama out! I was excited to meet her. and I was TIRED! I should have listened when they said...resist the urge to do everything when you are going into labor. You need that energy!
We arrived at the hospital and we had to wait for quite a bit for them to "get the room ready." It's weird but my contractions seemed to have not been so close together at the hospital. I thought, "oh great! they are going to send us home." After they put us in the room, the nurse checked to see how dilated I was...i was only 1 1/2. I couldnt believe it. I kept telling Este that i couldnt go home. I had waited long enough at home to the point that i thought i couldnt take the contractions getting too much stronger....i just couldnt imagine going back home feeling that. They called my doc and he told them to go ahead and admit me and they were going to aid me in dilating more. I couldnt believe that my belle was gonna be born on Resurrection sunday. Este was reading the word to me most of the time...minus the time he crawled in bed with me to take a snoozer! When we got into the delivery room it was so spacious and great! They hooked me up to an Iv and the whole process started. All of the skills we learned during our classes...that I loved so much...yeah, I should have known we wouldnt have used most of them. During my "period cramps" throughout my life...i could not be touched while cramping b/c it would just intensify everything so much! i should have known it would have been the same exact way while contracting. Este was so sleepy and fell asleep and would offer a hand when I would start to contract...but i wanted him to be asleep! There was even a time when he got up and went towards the window and I thought, "if he dare opens those blinds!" heehee. Cindy and Steve were there during part of my early contractions. Steve was hilarious trying to figure out the contraction machine. Once he thought he had it figured out, the nurse came in and basically told him that they dont go by that b/c it's not correct. ALRIGHTY THEN! We got a good laugh out of that.
Well, the contractions were getting worse, so it seemed, and the nurse came in and discouraged me so much when she said that they were the same. She didnt encourage checking my dilation very much b/c it can potential introduce things into your cervix but said that when i was ready for some pain meds, she would check me. The doc didnt want me to have an epidural until i was a 3. I thought, surely i'm there by now. when she checked me, i was a mere 2. i couldnt believe it. how on earth was i gonna be able to last so long??? After this point, the contractions started getting so bad. One came and I was overcome with the pain...i couldnt breathe and i told este to get me something b/c i thought i was going to throw up...and that i did! i was in so much pain, and yet vomiting at the same time (and peeing..it was awful!) Usually when you throw up, it comes with relief but it didnt this time. it seemed as if the contractions would not end...they would lessen a little but not give relief and then another big one would come. I can't even begin to describe the pain i felt. at one point, the nurse came in and said that the doc said that i could have the epidural. i cant tell you how thankful i was! i had another episode of vomiting and peeing before they administered the pain reliever. i just wanted to kiss the anesthesiologist! It seemed to be immediate relief. I just wanted to lay there and smile...which I think I did. Soon after, my friend lisa and cindy and steve came into the room. I was able to chat with them which was nice. I remember telling them that i was scared for the rest of the labor. The nurse came in, i dont remember what time, and said that i was at a 3-4 and popped my water. Talk about a weird sensation! it was crazy...i felt the pop and este saw the gush. they placed something up in me to monitor the contractions. i believe it was within an hour or so, she checked me again and i was at a 9. the whole thing was so surreal to us. i began to feel so much pressure "down there" and i was so afraid that i was going to poop. i dont think i minded if i did while i was pushing, but to do it before while everyone was still in there...yikes! The nurse said she would be back in 1/2 hour to check. When i would start to feel the pressure mounting, i would ask if i was having a contraction, and sure enough i was! the nurse came back within 45 minutes and checked...she pulled up the sheets and said, "alrighty, we're gonna start pushing." She had este get on one leg and she was on the other. a contraction would start and i would take a cleansing breath, and then hold, tuck and push for the count of 10. it was unbelievable. she said i was doing good and it made me feel great....she had told me to push like i did when i went to the bathroom...little did she know i was an expert b/c of all my 'bathroom issues." anyways, within a few minutes they could see the head. i couldnt believe it when she said my baby had dark hair. it was just a little glimpse of what my baby girl was going to look like. Esteban was so great at helping me push and watching. the whole thing did not seem real. within 10 minutes the doc came in and he had me push a couple more times and my baby isabelle was born. I can't explain the feeling it is to see a life come out of you. she seemed amazing already. Esteban and i couldnt stop crying and praising our Lord for her life.
That's the story of her entry...what a doll she is. it has now been a full week since we have had her. The first night at home, Monday night, was extremely hard. Not an ounce of sleep did we get! She kept crying and i couldnt console her...that is the worst feeling as a mother. Trucking on with hardly any sleep, my hormones going crazy, the looming "situation," etc, i felt like i was going to have some panic attacks. Praise God that we have full access to Him at all times! The second day home, my friend Ceci brought us dinner and prayed over me for the joy of the Lord. After praying we looked at Isabelle and she smiled...the first smile i had seen from her...the JOY of the Lord from a little babe. Each day seems to have gotten easier and a little more stable. I hugely appreciate my friend, Jen, who has answered all my questions and calmed my fears/worries. Knowing that we are not alone and we are normal is such a relief.
One day this week, Este and I took belle out for a day of appraisals. she was wonderful. it was exciting to see that she can fit into our lifestyle just fine...it just takes some more time, but we can still do things.
One thing that has been crazy since i've been home is the constant sweating of my feet. I have no clue why, but my left one has been so swollen and so clammy. yeah, gross! today is the first day that it looks 1/2 way normal...hopefully things will get back to normal.
I went to the grocery store yesterday...my first time out and about without belle. It was very freeing but as soon as i got in the store, i wanted to cry! i could not wait to get home and see her. It's amazing the love that God puts in our hearts for our children. Every nap time, este and i are just waiting to go get her...she is truly a doll and we cherish her. It's so cool to pray over her and pray for her salvation, that she will stand up for righteousness b/c we serve a HOLY GOD...we pray for her mate that God would keep him pure for our belle. We have already told her what Christ did for her on the cross and the most precious thing I've witnessed is Este singing to our little one. awwww, we are in love!
anyways, that is a little recap of the week. please pray for us tomorrow if you think of it, we are going to meet with some people involving our situation and we need God's wisdom. Will post more pics soon...

Friday, April 17, 2009

quick pics...

still need to tell the birthing story and other stuff but have had no time....thought i would post a few pics though.









Tuesday, April 14, 2009

ISABELLE FAITH


Our beautiful baby girl is here. We can't believe it! I will post the birth story and more details later but have to get some pictures up...and we have to take more too. She is the most amazing thing ever...
a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N5nySSCeKnA/SeTeyHa5Q4I/AAAAAAAAAeo/EU4M0AScvkI/s1600-h/IMG_1412.JPG">



















more to come for sure...she is a beauty, never thought i would be so in love...

Thursday, April 9, 2009

..and the WORD washes over me

This has probably been the hardest week of our lives. We can't explain what all is going on but I just wanted to let everyone know that we have appreciated all of the encouragement that has been given. People have read verses to us and even emailed them to us. We made a list of some of the ones that have been given...and this is seriously where we have found life the last couple of days. Also the knowledge that people are going before our heavenly Father on our behalf is the most incredible feeling. Please continue to pray for our family...for wisdom, guidance, God's grace and mercy, and justice. It's amazing how looking at life around us looks so horrible but in the deepest part of our being we are so comforted with clinging to Jesus...how is that? He is the bread of life! Este and I are looking forward to "building an altar" in honor of the Lord to remember how He rescued us in this time.
On another note, our daughter is still in my womb...i have not dilated anymore...i feel this is an act of God.
Here are some of the verses that have carried us these past few days...
Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell[a] in the house of the LORD
Forever.
Psalm 61
Hear my cry, O God;
Attend to my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah

5 For You, O God, have heard my vows;
You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name.
6 You will prolong the king’s life,
His years as many generations.
7 He shall abide before God forever.
Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him!

8 So I will sing praise to Your name forever,
That I may daily perform my vows.
Psalm 46: 1-2
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear
Phil 4:4-8
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Ecc 7:3
Sorrow is better than laughter,
For by a sad countenance the heart is made better.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
1 Peter 3:13-16
And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”[c] 15 But sanctify the Lord God[d] in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
james 1:2-5
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Waiting for a movie

My darling has been working so hard and I've been dying to get him out by ourselves and bask in his company! So, yesterday we decided that we could be celebrating what is our last Saturday as a family of 2 and we made the most of it. We went to go get a pedicure (i have had a couple friends tell me to make sure my toes look good when we go in the hospital...cause i'll be lookin at them a lot!) It was so relaxing! We even saw Cherryl come in towards the end..which made it an even sweeter visit! Este got to experience the hot wax on his feet..ahhhh!
So, after the pedicure, we decided that we would go check out the new part of the mall and eat at one of the new restaurants. While at the yard house, este found a movie that we decided we would go see. It started at 7:40...which gave us a good 3-4hours to explore before time to go for the movie. We ventured in to a place called william sonoma. Neither of us had ever been in one and we fell in love! We had been wanting to shift to some different pots and pans for a while...and we found some "lifetime" ones to invest in. We also found 2 cookbooks that we are totally psyched about digging into...anyone wanna come over for dindin?
After that, we got Este some new shoes, got lil baby some "on sale" items from baby gap, a few cd's from c28...with still plenty of time waste. We found some massage chairs to relax in and did so for 15 minutes or so. We also found a candy store that we "filled up" with to "save" money in the theater.....as we weighed our stuff they said "18 dollars!" what???? oh my! but we were getting ready for this movie with EACH passing hour. We got some other much needed stuff and headed to the food court to use the restroom. While there we decided we still had enough time (30-40 mins) to grab a lil bite to eat before goin in the theater. I said, "are you sure we are good on time?" "yeah, we have plenty of time!" alrighty! So I also got a few bottles of water and we were off to buy our tickets. Este went to the ticket machine to try and do things quicker and the movie we wanted to see was only available at 10:20. It should have been a red flag to us...but NOOOO. So we went to the counter and asked about another movie and they proceeded to tell us that it was sold out anyway and the last showing was already showing...so este said, "alrighty, we'll take one for "the knowing" for the 7:40 showing." The guy at the window looked at his screen and said, "that one is sold out and it's already been on for 40 mins!" We looked at each other, este looked at his watch and we walked away with much confusion. All this waiting the whole day...to a watch that was set wrong! LOL. we started laughing soooo hard. It was the most adorable thing ever...i wouldnt have changed a thing. anyways, we had a wonderful "maybe last Saturday" and once again, found another thing to love about my hubby!
While hanging out at the mall yesterday, I had much pressure in my tummy/back....and i guess maybe contractions. I call them cramps...cause that's what they feel like but our teacher had said that they are contractions. they got really intense at one point that I had to make a spot on the shelf at a store to sit down. It also could just be from being on my feet for so long. Well, when we got home (around 9 or 10) i noticed a slight change in some "stuff" when i went to pee. and that has been happening even this morning. I've also been having more cramps/cont. in my back, lower tummy and legs....soooo...i'm waiting for este to wake up and tell him that i think we should skip out on church and get ahead with work...just in case our lil one is makin her way out soon. I TOTALLY could be a week away...but i dont wanna be in the hospital worrying about work i should have done!
We also finished putting up the paintings and shelves in our daughter's room...and the only things left for in there are the scripture on the wall and our changing table! I love it in there!



Thursday, April 2, 2009

38 weeks

Great news...they found out last week that baby girl's brain ventricles have shrunk to the perfect size that they should be...our God is amazing, huh? I also found out, last Thursday, that I am 1 cm dilated and the doctor touched the baby's head. I went back to the doc today and I am the same...1 cm dilated. He said my 1 pound weight gain is good (never thought he would say i'm doing ok in that area!) and that baby's weight looks perfect. sooo...seems like everything is going great.
I have been able to mark tons of things off my "to do" list which feels wonderful! Among many of things, i shampooed the carpet, washed all of baby's clothes, blankets, etc., purchased the rest of the stuff that we need for her arrival, packed for the hospital, and had a hospital tour. whew!
Let me tell you, I have been trying to make up for all that work this week! I have been so tired and have been trying to rest a lot.
A friend will be coming by sometime soon and painting our "family verse" on the nursery wall. I'm so excited about that! We have yet to hang the paintings and the shelves in the nursery...we will get there!
Oh yeah, our concrete got laid this week and we are still waiting for it to dry. In the next day or so, we will be getting our sod laid for the yard...yay! I have yet to walk to the back and take a good picture but I will post some from the house.
Who can spot the kitty?

He so does not fit in there!

The concrete going in!


My baby watching in excitement!

38 weeks and 1 day