Elena Elizabeth Diaz

 I'm so pretty that I made my Aunt Michelle and Aunt Erin cry when they came to meet me!!

Well, it's been over a week since I've had a chance to actually sit down and write a few words about Juan and I's newest addition to our family.  Elena Elizabeth was born last Wednesday, November 30th at 2:38 pm.  She weighed 7lbs and 15 oz...exactly my birth weight too!  Elena was 20.5 inches long and has a healthy set of lungs for crying!  It was music to our ears when we heard her cry for the first time.  She is truly our little miracle.
I went into the hospital last Wednesday at about 7am.  A nurse called me at about 4:50am to ask if I could come in a little late since the Labor and Delivery floor was SUPER busy already that morning.  Of course we were OK with that and got a little extra rest before heading in to have Elena.  When we arrived at the hospital, Juan and I went straight into a delivery room where I spent most of the day.  My nurse, Maggie, who was just AMAZING got me all hooked up right away.  Juan and I just sat together for awhile as I got some IV fluids in my before being hooked up to Pitocin.  Because I was already dialated 4 cm when I arrived, I was put on a low dose of Pitocin at first.  I didn't have but just a few contractions, so Maggie increased the dosage...not by much, though, because I was making progress.  Finally, my contractions were coming frequently and boy were they intense.  I clenched my fists and held Juan's hand so tightly every time I had one.  I did lots of breathing and tried to relax as much as possible.  It wasn't long before one of my favorite people, the anesthesiologist, came in to give me my epidural.  It was not as scary as I initially thought.  Having contractions while getting the epidural was such a distraction to what he was doing.  But, he made me feel so much better.  My legs and feet got all tingly and I could not feel the contractions anymore.  I really did feel like a new woman.  I highly recommend the epidural to anyone debating on whether or not to get one.  I don't think I could have done all of this without it.  It made the birth process much more doable.  I eventually made it to 10 cm dialated and was ready to push.  Maggie, my nurse, did most of the work until my doctor could come over to finish delivering the baby.  I pushed for about 40 minutes and finally we had a baby girl!!  It was one of the most amazing moments of our lives.  I feel so lucky to have been able to share it not only with my husband, but my mom and mother in law too...all three of these people were so helpful during labor...especially towards the end when I felt like I had no more juice in me to push.  All in all, 11/30/11 will always be one of the most special days in our lives.  Welcome to the world, Elena Elizabeth!!

Possible Elena Plans...

This afternoon I was able to talk with Dr. Boulicault on the phone about our plans for Elena.  Since we were able to chat over the phone, I won't need to go in tomorrow for my weekly Tuesday appointment.  Tomorrow is Elena's official due date.  She has been very cozy in my belly for several weeks now, but according to the doctor, has been ready to be born anytime.  As of last appointment, I was dialated to 3 cm, so I'm progressing for sure.  I think maybe Elena is just being polite and arriving when she's supposed to on the 29th.  :)
After talking with the doctor today, we decided that if she's not here tomorrow, then I will be induced on Wednesday morning. I will have to arrive at the hospital at 5:30am.  Usually the doctors wait a week before inducing, but we decided that because my body has been so favorable for delivery for several weeks now and Elena is a good size and we've been healthy this entire pregnancy, it will be just fine for her to come on Wednesday. She's running out of room quickly and having her out will be safe for her.  Please keep us all in your prayers as we make our way into official parenthood by the middle of the week and that Elena arrives healthy and happy!  We'll be in touch with everyone as things move along!

One Day to Go!

So, here I am at home on maternity leave with no child to take care of yet!  I can't believe it.  I really did think she would be here by now knowing how much things had progressed over the last few weeks.  I can't say that I'm complaining too much because it has been nice this morning cleaning a few things up and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate.  Elena is moving around a lot this morning, so I'm wondering if she's getting herself ready for a grand entrance anytime soon.  Only time will tell.  Juan made his way back to school this morning and I'm glad he was able to go back today since it's the first day back after a long holiday weekend.  Having to start off with a substitute can be hard not only on the kids, but the teacher too!  I know he's super anxious about the baby's arrival just as I am.  It's so hard now since she could be here ANYTIME!!
Last night was the first night I had some trouble sleeping.  My stomach felt like a huge solid basketball throughout the night.  That is what kept me up so much.  Moving positions didn't help, so I got up a few times to walk around or check my e-mail since I had to sit up to do that.  I feel like I tossed and turned from side to side (because those are the only 2 positions I can sleep in now) all night.  I think I saw every hour on the clock.  I don't feel tired today, but I think it's because I didn't have to get up and be somewhere at a specific time.  I could just relax in bed for awhile. 
I'm going to go enjoy the rest of the day getting little things done here and there, but more than anything, I want this baby girl here healthy and safely so mom and dad can cuddle on her forever!!  We'll be sure to keep you posted with any new happenings!  1 DAY TO GO!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Here is my last November picture chronicaling my pregnancy since month 1! Sorry for the "no makeup picture", but it was late and we had just finished dinner...  It's hard to believe that we're here at month 9 already, but here we are!  As of today, Juan and I are just patiently waiting for Ms. Elena to arrive.  She is not due for a few more days, but we are so anxious to meet her.  Because she can come at anytime, Juan and I stayed put for Thanksgiving and had our own little feast last night here at home, just us.  It was quite nice.  Because neither one of us really knows how to make a turkey, and we didn't even want to entertain the idea because Elena could come whenever, we decided the next best thing would be our favorite deli meat brand of turkey-Boar's Head.  Let me tell you, it was SO delicious.  We hadn't had it in a very long time...it's rather expensive stuff, but when you want the best, you gotta pay the price.  We brought it home, warmed it up, and had that along with all the regular Thanksgiving sides-stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, cranberry sauce, and of course sparkling apple juice. It will definitely be a Thanksgiving to remember. 
Juan and I have also been taking advantage of naps the last few days too.  Since we've been off school since Wednesday, we've made it a point to take a nap each afternoon.  I've heard from so many people to get lots of rest now, and it has felt good to be able to take advantage.  We've been getting lots of little things done around the house too-decluttering this and that, making sure we're ready to go at a moment's notice.  My mom and dad are going to come this weekend to bring a rocking chair for Elena's room.  We are really looking forward to having it next to her crib to sleep or read books.  We just love that her room is a mixture of old and new...the rocking chair was the chair my mom used when I was a baby...hope to pass it down to Elena one day too.
Well, I'm staying home for the rest of the day...no shopping for this mommy...I'm totally intrigued by all the people who actually go out shopping on this day, but it's never been for me!  I'm sure I'll find something else around here to organize or declutter...more nesting, huh?!  :)

Week 39!

Here we are at Week 39...ONE more to go and it's Elena's official due date.  I don't know if we'll actually make it to next Tuesday, but we shall see.  I went for my weekly doctor's appointment this afternoon and Elena is doing just fine, as usual!!  I'm dialated 3cm and Dr. Boulicault said her head is still down right where it needs to be.  The doctor continues to tell me Elena could come at any time, but she should arrive within the next week.  I still made a regular weekly appointment for next week...we'll see if I'll need to show up for it or not!  What do you think?!  Elena has been moving around a lot the last few days and the pressure is really building, though.  I haven't had any contractions as of yet, so I know once those start, it will be "go time"!  She is definitely running out of room-as I mentioned last week, her movements are not so smooth anymore...they are really strong and at times just plain uncomfortable.  I know she's got to be getting uncomfortable in there too packing on those lbs! I think I'm stretched to the max now, so she really doesn't have a lot of choices on where to move.  I'll try to get a November picture up here over this Thanksgiving holiday and then another one when we're on our way to the hospital.  We'll see how it all turns out.  All I know is that I'm glad Elena let mommy work these last two days to get everything prepared at school for maternity leave.  It still hasn't hit me that I don't go back to school again until February.  I know it will be strange not heading back to school on Monday...especially if she hasn't arrived yet, but I know the time will be cherished...either getting more things organized around the house or loving on our new baby girl.  We have so much to be thankful for this week and the miracle that is our daughter Elena is at the top of our list.  God has been so good to us and for that we are most thankful.  Juan and I appreciate all the continued support and prayers as we bring Elena into the world for everyone to meet...Here we go onto week 40!

38 Weeks!

Well, we made it another week!  Elena must be enjoying herself in my warm belly. I'm currently 2.5 cm dialated and 80% effaced. She is moving around a lot, as usual, but her jabs to my stomach are not so welcome all the time.  She packs quite the punch now that she's running out of room and growing fatter by the day!  Speaking of getting larger, I must be there too because I've never gotten so many stares at the stores lately.  I mean seriously, have these people never seen a super preggo woman before or do I just look that huge now that we're THAT close?  I guess I look at myself in the mirror everyday, so I don't see the drastic changes until I look back at previous month's pictures.  I know I've gotten larger, but I guess I don't feel it.  I will be happy to lose the weight around my midsection, though, once Elena comes because I'd love to put on tennis shoes or get up off the floor without it becoming an ordeal each time.  Ah, the life of a nine month pregnant woman. 
Things continue to go well, though.  I have my bag packed, snacks for Juan, and a ride to Columbia should my water break while at school. I believe we are as prepared for now as we can be.  There will always be things to do or get done, but Elena has a bed to lay in and lots of people who already love her, so I think she's set!  We go back to the doctor next Tuesday, November 22nd.  That will be my official last day of school to begin my maternity leave if Elena doesn't come before then.  I just can't believe it's already a week away.  It will be very strange being away from my students, but what a blessing to be able to stay home and get to know one of the greatest miracles of our lives.  Here we go onto week 39!  I wonder if we'll make it....

Week 37!

Here we are at week 37...We just can't believe it!  So many things to still do, but feeling like we've accomplished so much already as well.  Elena's room has come together and it's absolutely beautiful.  We have gotten her swing put up, car seat and stroller together, and a pack and play up next to our bed.  Lots of clothes are washed and mom's bag is mostly packed.  There are boxes everywhere still, but those will quickly be gone once Juan and I get to breaking them down.  Mittens and Homer have been SO clingy lately wanting to be all over my belly and laying by me.  I guess they know a baby sister is coming soon.
I went to the doctor again yesterday for my weekly visit and she said everything is looking great.  She checked Elena to make sure her head was still in the right position and all is good there.  I am dialated 2 cm...up from 1 cm a week ago.  I have not felt any different than I did a week ago except that I gained about 3 lbs.  YIKES.  I'm hoping to keep her cooking in my belly until Thanksgiving break...I know that is wishful thinking, but it would be SO nice to go into the holiday ready for baby girl.  Week 38, HERE WE COME!!!

P.S. Happy Birthday Aunt Erin!!