Landon's Hospital Days

While most moms that have just had a c-section have their babies board with them in their own rooms, we had to constantly go back-n-forth to be with our baby. It was so painful getting up and down from my bed to go see him. We were on a strict feeding schedule with the NICU- 12am, 3am, 6am, 9am, 12 noon, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm...every 3 hours. Just when we were finishing up with one feeding and going to our room, we were back in the NICU yet again. It was so exhausting!!!!

Over the next several days, our little guy was given a clear bill of health and slowly the IVs, hospital reads, etc. started to come off his little body. We kept hospital visitors to just immediate family and that was probably the best decision we made. Not that we didn't want other loved ones or friends around but with just how little time we had to spend with anyone, it would have made it nearly impossible to have visitors. Plus, since Landon was in the NICU, only one person was allowed in at a time, accompanied by either mom or dad. So, when my parents swung by, my mom would come in with me and Sonje would leave. When my dad wanted to visit, my mom would duck out so my dad could have a turn. It made it really hard to have visitors, especially since we were tied to our strict feeding schedule. I don't know how we would've handled additional visitors as we barely got by sharing our NICU time with just parents and siblings.

But, finally our discharge day came....

Deciding on a name

So... now we've got this amazing little boy. What about a name you ask? Good question. Our baby has been born now for more than 12 hours and as we sit in the NICU, we STILL didn't have a boys name. His little NICU sign just said Berg.

If the baby had been a girl our chosen name was Cambria, with the middle name being Florence (or Florencia) after my dear grandma who passed away in January. But for a little boy we had been at a complete loss. Well, that's not entirely true.....

I had several boy names I liked but Sonje didn't click with any of my names. For 9 months I kept an entire list of boy names but none of which Sonje fell in love with. I told him though that unless he came up with some names on his own, eventually we would be picking a boys name off my list. And, that's exactly what happened.

Its Thursday morning, April 9th, and as I said before, we are sitting in the NICU with no boy name. The hospital birth certificate coordinator gave us the paperwork and said when we figure it out, to return the paperwork to her office. I wonder just how many parents gave nameless kids in the hospital. But.... while sitting in the NICU, we had narrowed down the list of names to just a couple. And, from there, its almost like our baby gave us his hame. Whenever our little boy fussed or cried, Sonje and I both felt an inkling to comfort our little baby with the name Landon. It just naturally came to us as the name to soothe or poor baby.

So, LANDON SONJE BERG it is.

It's a....

BOY!

That's right, after a long time waiting (or laboring), we gave birth to an amazing little boy on Wednesday, April 8th at 6:22pm, weighing 8lbs, 19.5 inches long. Not that we were all that surprised because I thought I was having a little boy from day one, but it was still fun to find out the true, end result.

Sonje watched as they pulled the baby from my incision. He got to cut the umbilical cord. I laid on the surgery bed being stitched up.

Unfortunately though our little guy was having oxygen problems and they were also concerned about an infection in the lungs as well since he had pooped while in distress during labor, so he was raced off to the NICU to have tests run, his lungs pumped, x-rays, etc. etc.

Sonje followed our little guy to the NICU while I was sent to the recovery room for a few hours. I had maybe 2 minutes with our baby and was so bummed that I couldn't be with him. I was of course a nervous mom over my baby having to go to the NICU. I was told it wouldn't be until the morning where I could use a wheel chair so for now I was stuck in the hospital bed. They won't allow you to get up after a c-section because of the anthesia....no feeling from waste down. In fact, they told me it wouldn't be until the morning that I could go in to see my baby. Well.... that didn't fly with me. Gratefully I had a nice nurse in the recovery room push to get me in to the NICU to see my son. So, with her help, she wheeled my hospital bed into the NICU so I could have about 10-15 minutes with him that evening.

After, I wastransferred to my postpartum room (#357) to sleep and further recover. Sonje stayed with our baby for much of the first night. By the next morning, he was off oxygen. The NICU was still reviewing his lungs as he had fluid in there- apparently its pretty common for c-section babies to have fluid. Thankfully he didn't have an infection or anything but as a precaution, they put him on IV antibiotics anyways. The next morning I was wheeled into the NICU to see our sweet guy. He's just precious.

- more on next post...

D-Day (well, not exactly)

Tuesday evening, April 7th, after a nice dinner at CPK with two of my girlfriends (Heather and JD), I went home and started having contractions. Now, this isn't new since I'd been having the Braxton contractions since week 33 or something but I noticed these were a little stronger so I decided to keep track. Mind you, I was past my due date and I was scheduled to be induced on Thursday morning the 9th, so I figured I might as well time the contractions. I kept track of my contractions using contractionmaster.com. The first contraction I noted in the online log was at 9:51pm. I was hoping to do much of the early laboring at home so I wouldn't have to deal with continuous monitoring at the hospital and what not so I figured as long as my water hasn't broke, I would try to stick it out at home for as long as I could. By about 12:30pm, my contractions were about 3 minutes-ish apart, and lasting for about a minute. Also at the time, I had some blood so Sonje and I decided we should officially make a trip to the hospital to see if "its time". Once we got to the hospital, one of the L&D nurses examined me and said that I was actually only at a 2, but since I was already past my due date that I need to stay to see if my labor progresses. So... unfortunately what I was trying to avoid, happened...I was immediately put on the continuous monitor, in other words, I was stuck in bed. Around 3:30am the nurse came back into the room, re-examined me and at this time I had progressed to 4. I was hoping to avoid getting to the hospital too early so I can avoid being stuck in bed and instead, walk and what not to get the baby down into the canal and have my contractions progress nicely by being up and about but that didn't happen. My body (3 minute apart contractions and the blood) made us feel like we should get to the hospital. Anyways, to continue the story... the nurse came back in around 6am and I hadn't progressed- still at a 4. Around 7:30am my doctor came to the hospital to check on me and STILL I hadn't progressed past 4 so she decided to break my water in hopes that that would get things moving again. By about 10am, the nurse re-examined me and even with my water broker, I STILL hadn't past 4. So, the suggestion was made that since its already been 10 hours since I started my labor contractions, we should start pitocin to keep the labor up a notch. Well, as you well know, pitocin also increases the intensity of labor and I was pretty tired and sore already. Although I was trying to avoid an epidural till later in the process, I was in quite a lot of pain already. So, I took the pitocin at 4/5cm dilated. Awhile later, I had eventually reached a true 5, then later a 5/6, further later a 6, etc. However, in the meantime, the baby was showing signs of stress. I was supposed to be switching off between various sitting/laying positions because of the epidural but the baby was not letting me move off my right side laying position. Every time I moved, the babies heart rate dropped and was in the danger level. So, I was stuck laying on my right side and it went completely numb. The nurse thought that perhaps the babies umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby and that's why I wasn't able to move off my right side. Additionally, the baby wasn't reacting well to the pitocin so I was taken off that as well and the nurse hoped that my contractions and labor would advance further on its own. By about 5pm on Wednesday, I had finally made it to 8cm dilated and 100% effaced but with the baby already stressed, it didn't appear that the baby would be able to withstand labor any further, and certainly couldn't withstand pushing when it came time. So, I was told that I was going to need a c-section. This was the last thing I wanted and in fact, I had been praying for a nice vaginal labor and delivery so I was completely bummed. I cried of course. It was very disappointing, especially after trying to labor for almost 20 hours already. By 5:45pm, I was being prepped for surgery. Just thinking about the whole ordeal makes me cry all over again. It was so disappointing. The only good thing was that at 6:22pm, our baby was born.

- story continues in next blog....

Zero Days to Go

Yeah...that's what the baby ticker says tonight on my blog. However, I could only be so lucky if this baby made his/her debut tonight but its not looking like that's going to happen- nor anytime soon. In fact, on March 25th, my doctor said nothing was happening. Then, she said (for the first time mind you) that she was going to be out of town the whole next week (which is the week I'm due) and that my next appointment with her is April 6th- yes, 2 days after my due date. One more reason to not like this lady. So I figured...

A)- I'd better get walking so Saturday morning, March 28th, I walked with my sister in law, Kirsten, for 6 miles. Obviously nothing happened.

B)- Since I was comfortable about not being seen at all this week being that this was my 39th week of pregnancy, I went in on Thursday, April 2nd (Sonje's birthday btw) to my hospital so they could look at me and they also did an NST. The baby passed the stress test but I'm STILL not dilated AT ALL! The nurse couldn't even squeeze the tip of her finger in my cervix (sorry for the detailed info if you have a weak stomach).

What am I to do? I'm trying all sorts of the natural inducers and nothing is working. This little baby must be so comfy (and stubborn).

Today is my due date but I'm seeing that go by rather quickly. My doctor won't let me go past a week overdue and she won't induce either unless I'm already 3cm dilated. I'm praying that my baby and body get working together here quickly. But to date, I'm completely closed. Ugh!!! Its pretty bad when you actually look forward to the contractions and hope they get stronger and stronger because then you can hope that "its time".

Please baby and come. I want to meet you. Daddy and I are dying here waiting for you. I want to see your cute little butt so bad and put your little naked body to my chest.

Waiting, and waiting

Nothing is happening yet- darn!! I'm ready for this baby! Well, let's define ready... perhaps my house isn't as orderly as it could/should be before baby comes but besides that, I'm ready. Yes, I should have my house a little more tidy but I'm almost over it. Okay, not exactly. I'll still be working on projects around here. You would think my house would be spotless but somehow we mess it up in no time.

Anyways, we're anxious. Plus, the doctor says the baby is measuring big and she already is c-section happy so I'm wanting to get this moving along here before she has a chance to go there. An emergency c-section is one thing but this doc is more about getting in and out, getting paid more from a surgery delivery and worried about covering her butt legally then about what is best for mom and baby. Why am I with her you ask... that's a LONG story. We've tried switching but insurance issues and then by the time some of that was sorted, most docs wouldn't take me since I was too far along already. Trust me, its been a sad mess. I pray every night that things will work out for the best because I don't care for my doc. Just hoping for the best and will get the nurses on my good side since they spend most of the time with you anyways. In the meantime, send good mojo my way that this baby will get moving here soon so we can beat the doctors "clock".

Busy Busy these days

So as the big day approaches, I feel busier than ever. With what you ask...

• getting things for my hospital bag (that's for me, baby or Sonje)
• packing the hospital bag
• getting the room ready
• washing all the onesies, sleepers, clothes, etc in baby detergent so they are ready to go
• shopping and stocking up on dog food, necessities like toilet paper and such, frozen food items, etc
• getting the house clean and organized (ongoing- we aren't exactly the tiddiest of people)
• attending not only our own functions but still have a full calendar for other people's social events
• making returns from items we may have got doubles off, etc at our showers
• purchasing items we still needed to get before baby came off our registry
• choosing a pediatrician
• seeing people that either haven't seen us in awhile and want to see me with a belly and/or those people that know they won't see us for awhile after the baby comes so they are getting in their "me time" now.
• reading my baby books (as best as I can)
• ... the list can go on and on. It's amazing how much there is to get ready and I always underestimate how long things take.

Slowly but surely, we are getting more organized.

Monday the 16th-

was my last day at the chiro office (at least for now). The 414 Group has been very kind to me and I've enjoyed my time there. I've had so much fun getting to know the patients. But, unless I have free child care, it wouldn't make sense for me to work there. Perhaps one day I can go back. Its a nice office to work for and its close to home.

Prayer Shower- Sunday, March 15th

Sunday night family gathered for a prayer shower at my mother-in-laws. This is not a gift thing. It's a tradition that has been passed down over the years. My mother-in-law had the same shower with Sonje. It entails just a small, intimate gathering of family (and close friends if applicable) in which different versus are read from the bible that all have to do with motherhood. There are 7 readings in all, if I remember right, that different people read aloud to the group. Along the way prayers are offered for the mother-to-be (me in this case) and I was crowned with a jasmine wreath on my head. After the prayer part concluded we enjoyed dessert. My mom brought a beautiful poem in which she read aloud to us ladies and we were all in tears (including my mom as she was trying to get the words out). Here's the beautiful prayer poem she found and recited. As many of you know, this baby was 2 years in the making and for that reason, this poem deeply touched us that much more...

Baby's Choice

Did you ever think, dear Mother,

As the seeds of me you sowed,

As you breathed new life inside of me

And slowly watched me grow,

In all your dreams about me

When you planned me out so well,

When you couldn't wait to have me there,

Inside your heart to dwell,

Did you ever think that maybe,

I was planning for you, too,

And choosing for my very own

A mother just like you?

A mother who smelled sweet and who

Had hands so creamy white,

A tender, loving creature

Who would soothe me in the night?

Did you ever think in all those days

While you were coming due,

That as you planned a life for me

I sought a life with you?

And now as I lay in your arms,

I wonder if you knew

While you were busy making me,

I was choosing you!

[TEARS HERE....]

Thank goodness for cute cousins

Look at how cute cousin Ethan and cousin Madison are... don't you just wanna eat um' up.
We love you guys!!!

Mommy & Daddy photos- 37 weeks

This past Sunday, March 15th, our friend Diane took pregnancy pictures for us. We went up to the Getty Museum (who would have thought it was going to be so busy on a Sunday) to take some photos. Although the museum and grounds were full of people, it was a good spot to go take some photographs, especially since that's where Diane works so it had significance too. At the time of these shots, we had only 19 days left until our due date, although we're hoping baby comes early.

Doctors Visit

LA crowd- Game Night Style

On Saturday night, March 14th, we had a baby celebration- Game Night Style. Our friend Diane (man, she's all over our blog) hosted this exceptionally fun evening here at "the compound". Thanks again Diane!!!

The girls "partied" in the front house with appetizers, mocktails (virgin cocktails) and dessert. With myself included, there was 8 total persons. We were small in numbers but we had a fab time. We played Bunco and ended with Candy Land (infamous child's game).

The men on the other hand partied in the back house. Their eats were pizza, beer and brownies. They played a round of pocker. The buy-in for the poker game was $10 plus a package of diapers.

Ironically, I was the biggest losser at Bunco and Sonje lost his money too at Poker. I guess that's okay since you really shouldn't win at your own party.

me & Diane

From left: Kirsten, me, Amy, Carol, Melissa, Jenna, Diane & Heather

Berg Family Shower

On Sunday, March 8th, my mother-in-law Chris, with sister-in-laws Kirsten and Kajsa, threw a Berg family shower for baby and I. We had so much fun. Kirsten organized a personality trait game and it had us absolutely rolling. Guests brought a book to start the baby's library. We got a ton of great books. My moms book(s) were not only awesome, but sentimentel. My mom brought a series of books she's been saving for me for 20 years. She purchased them 20 years ago and was waiting till I have a baby to give them to me. Isn't that amazing? On top of throwing a wonderful shower, my mother-in-law got us our stroller...yay!!!! Guests were also able to choose a "time of day" for baby Berg. Robyn, for memory time, gave us this awesome trunk that had 21 letters inside. Each year, we are to write a letter to our child and put it in the trunk along with other things that are of memorabilia or significance from the year. Once the child turns 21, you gift them with the trunk. How cool huh. Don't know that I'll be able to give the trunk away but nice idea. :) My aunt choose Play Time as her time of day. Guess what she gave for play time...lingerie. Auntie Joy is always good for a laugh. It was a lot of fun!!!!

Lunchtime Love from Chiro Office

Dr C reading the book, " to us" . Amazing blanket Valerie made. She does it all I tell ya.

Yesterday, Monday the 2nd, the chiropractic office I've been working at over the past 2 years throw a lunch party for me. Between the morning and afternoon patients, we gathered together in the patient waiting room and had our own party. They brought in Rascals for lunch (terriyaki chicken, white rice and Chinese chicken salad). We had so much fun hanging out because what other time do we all get together to "hang out" and gab. After lunch, I was given all sorts of nice gifts from a sleep positioner, light weight stroller, sling, gift card, car mirror, onesies, books, etc. Valerie, Dr. Starr's wife, even knitted the most beautiful blanket. Gosh only knows the amount of hours she put into it. I'll be sad to leave the office. I've enjoyed everyone there so much and I've loved getting to know the patients. I wish there was a way I could do both because it's a great group of people who have become such dear friends. I plan on working up to the very end. Who knows, maybe my water will break one Monday while I'm there.

Love my A-Chi-O girls

Out of the 8 of us, two other friends are also pregnant. Michelle Duncan is due just 4 days before me, March 31st and Angela Armen is due in May. Aren't we cute mammas.

This past Saturday, 8 of my dear friends from my college sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, joined together to throw me a baby shower. What was originally supposed to be just a low-key luncheon where everyone pays their way, morphed into a lovely party at my friend Kristi's home with lunch, decorations, favors, etc. I should've known they would go all out. Everything was adorable. They did a whole theme with baby blocks and primary colors. Food was yummy and they even bought my favorite for dessert, Sprinkles cupcakes (red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting)- have no idea how Jen remembered that was my favorite. I have the greatest friends! Enjoy some of the pictures. Thank you girls for making this past Saturday a special and memorable day! LITB...

Car Seat Safety

This morning I scheduled my appointment with the CHP officer to get my car seat checked. Last Saturday at my baby shower my mom gave us our car seat. In our childbirth classes, it was recommended that we install or car seat but have a local CHP officer check that the car seat was installed correctly. I tried our local Torrance office but their first availability wasn't until March 26th. That's cutting it pretty close. In fact, I sort of have a feeling this baby might come a tad bit early so I definitely didn't want to do that. I then called the Culver City office and their first availability was March 16th. Who knew you needed to get on the books so early. I guess I should have called a few weeks back. Luckily though, the Culver City office had a cancellation and so I am down for my appointment for Friday, March 6th at 1o:00am. That means, this Sunday Sonje and I will be installing our babies car seat. If that's not a sign that baby is on the way, I don't know what is....

Speaking of baby on the way, my doctor said that babies can come, on average, up to 2 weeks early. I don't think my baby will be that early but let's just say he or she DID make their grand appearance 2 weeks early, that means that I could realistically have a baby in just 21 days time. Isn't that a scary thought. I've got a lot to do around this house to get ready if that's the case. Sonje and I are no where near ready for that. So, this weekend we are packing our hospital bags too.

2nd Breastfeeding Class Completed!

Last night was our second breastfeeding class. Seriously, this class was so awesome. Sure, I bet everyone is wondering why do the dads needs to be at a breastfeeding class and what in the heck can you talk about for 6 hours (6:30-9:30pm each session). We'll, both nights we went beyond 9:30 and I think we could have even added a third class session. It was soooo informative. I loved the class, loved the teacher! Not that I expect myself of my baby to be a pro because its obviously a new skill for both mother and baby to learn together but I definitely feel more prepared for what is in store and I am convinced that no matter how tough, I will not give up. Sonje and I really learned so much. It really says something when my husband got a lot out of the class too.

On another little note, it was really special last night. Towards the middle of our class one of the dads was getting up from his chair. The teacher asked if he was leaving and he said, yes. At first I thought it was sort of rude from them to leave in the middle but just after I had that thought the teacher asked the man if she can tell the class why they were leaving. The dad said yes. The teacher told us that his wife's water just broke and that they would have their baby within the next 24 hours. It was soooo neat!!! Everyone starting cheering and clapping for this couple. The dad looked like he'd been hit by a truck. He couldn't gather up his things. He was such a mess scrambling to get all their papers, water bottles and such and he kept dropping things. It was so funny. He was totally beside himself. But, it was neat and very touching. Of course, I got teary-eyed. Hearing the teacher say that they would have their baby in 24 hours time or so painted such an amazing picture. Who knows, perhaps that couple has had their baby already.

Baby Shower by Grandma Haven & Auntie Joy

This morning was my shower hosted by Grandma Haven & Auntie Joy. It was a wonderful day. I feel very lucky and blessed to have such special friends and family. Eighteen women celebrated Baby Berg's soon arrival. Orange with polka dots were the theme and the cake coordinated perfectly (see pic of adorable cake). The most sentimental moment was when I was surprised with a mother's ring from Sonje. We got beautiful gifts- all of which are useful and much needed for us first-time parents. Thanks to everyone for their generosity. Thanks to my mom and aunt who worked really hard..I loved my special day.

"Breast is Best"...

at least that was our motto for our first breastfeeding class last night. We knew you could talk 3 hours just about breastfeeding- and that's just one of 3 classes. Our class started at 6:30 and ended at 9:30. It was VERY imformative. The teacher is a great speaker, funny, entertaining, etc. We learned a lot and it was so interesting. I enjoyed this class so much more than the childbirth classes. Of course, a classroom setting is much different than trying to feed in real life but it was great for Sonje and I to hear the information together so we can do everything in our power to have a successful breastfeeding experience when the baby arrives.

more moon pics...

Of course we had to stop in the small town of Cambria on our way south. Is our baby a little girl? If so, Cambria is the chosen name for our little one.While in Cambria, we went to Moonstone Winery. Of course I didn't drink. For me, water and crackers were my treats but I still had fun. In Paso Robles at Eagle Castle Winery. I was on a mission to collect my marble winery coasters. All we did was drive around to about 9 wineries, stopping only to purchase my coasters. Next trip we'll have to come back to try a few selections.Summerwood Winery. They even have a goregous little Inn next store. Maybe next time we visit Paso we'll have to stay there. With a baby coming, who knows when that will be...

Babymoon- 33 weeks, forty-something days left

That's right... our last little vacation with just the two of us for awhile was this past holiday weekend. We left Friday, February 13th and went north to Solvang. On Saturday we headed further north and stayed in Monterey which of course was Valentine's Day! Sunday we made our way back down the coast and stayed in Paso Robles. Today, Monday, Feb. 16th we drove home. Just a short trip with a lot of driving but it was really nice (weather excluded). It was a wonderful babymoon, Valentine's, President's Day 3-day weekend, etc. Here's a (small) bunch of pics from our trip.


Although I really haven't had cravings during my pregnancy, I think I may be enjoying the taste of chocolate more.

Solvang is a cute Danish town- lots of yummy pastries and every building looks like something out of a movie.

Valentine's Day at the aquarium. We got sucked into a clam shell.

Happy Valentine's Day Daddy! (Baby at 32.5 weeks)

Pic 1: Smiling and Pic 2: Face Scrunch

Pic 3: Sleeping

Today for a little surprise Valentine's present to Sonje, I went and had a 4-D ultrasound. They were having Valentine's Day specials so the pricing had come down a bit and I thought it would be fun to surprise him on Saturday with some more photos of our baby. The baby didn't exactly cooperate as well as I had hoped (possibly a sign of what is to come) but it was still neat. The baby keep smiling and the technician said we have a happy baby. In fact, whenever I'd laugh, the baby would smile. One time I even accidently burped and the baby smiled at that too. A few times the baby scruned its face. I watched the baby on the monitor open/close its eyes, pucker its lips, yawn, take its little hand and rub its eye, swallow, etc. Unforunately the baby consistently had one of its little hands up to its face so it was hard to get images. Plus, the way the baby is positioned, the placenta is in almost every shot. The placenta is in the left side of the picture. The technician said the ultrasound machine can't depict from the placenta and the baby itself since its using sound waves. The way the baby is positioned the poor little guy or girl is basically kissing the placenta so that's why the left side of the face isn't visible. The good news...for now.. the baby is already down so hopefully he/she will stay there at this point. The technician said the baby appears to have fuller lips so I think it has daddy's mouth. Also, we were told our baby has a ton of hair....guess it runs in the family. Eric's babies were born with a ton of hair and Sonje's sisters little girl was also born with a nice head of hair.

Completion Certificate

Tonight was our last lamaze class. We were awarded our completion certificate. We've been going to this class for the last four Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:00ish. Can't belive the month has already gone by. Our homework is to practice our breathing techniques until the baby arrives. We met some interesting couples and learned a few things. It wasn't quite what we had in mind or hoped for but it was good we took the class nonetheless. Next week we begin our breastfeeding class. We'll keep you posted on that...

Hiccups- poor baby

Our baby has hiccups ALL THE TIME! So much so that I was worried and asked my doctor about it. She said that everything is fine and it can be very normal for some fetuses to get hiccups often. I feel bad for my baby though because it has to be so annoying for him/her since it happens so regularly and lasts for such a long period of time. The doctor told me that hiccups are likely caused from the baby swallowing the amniotic fluid. When I did a little reading about it online it said that mature fetuses hiccup in the womb because their central nervous system is adequately developed in order to allow this to happen...hmmm maybe it's no so bad then. I have to admit though, the feeling can be a little annoying for me too (if I'm allowed to say that). Such a weird sensation. Chances are if our baby hiccups a lot inside the womb, we'll have a hiccuper once the baby arrives.