Our Little Jane is Walking!!!

February 6, 2012

We thought we'd help her practice a bit when she started walking all by herself and wouldn't stop. She even walked in circles, picked up toys off the floor and ran around with excitement. We are so happy and proud of her. 

February 11, 2012

She loves to walk and practices more and more every day. In the beginning she couldn't get back up when she fell forward on her hands but now she actually pushes herself back up and keeps on walking. We are so proud of you our little Jane! We love you a lot!

Doctors and Stats

During the past few weeks both Jane and I had a few doctors appointments. For me mostly to check that the pregnancy and Alyss are progressing well. I'm happy to report that things are great with both of us. At this last appointment I was 37 weeks and 2 days along, blood pressure good, tested positive for B-strep but I kind of expected that since I was positive last time too, baby's heart rate was 140 and my bump measured 36.5cm. I'm happy that so far Alyss seems to be on track and hopefully a bit smaller than Jane. It gives me hope that the VBAC might be successful. ANd, speaking of VBAC, it's official. I transferred to the Valley OB clinic in Provo and will attempt VBAC at the Utah Valley Medical Center. The doctor I saw last time wasn't my favorite (the clinic has a few doctors and any of them could be at the hospital when I deliver - I kind of hope it's not this one). I asked questions and proposed several things and he pretty much turned me down on every single one of them. I asked for a walking epidural because I'd like to be able to move more during labor to hopefully help things along and he was like, there's no evidence that would work. Asked about stitches vs. staples and he said that staples it is cause it's better and it's probably my genes that don't help make the scar pretty. He also said that even though I'm dilated to almost 2cm and 60% effaced it's no guarantee that the baby will descend this time and we might want to know that before labor. He seemed to not be very hopeful even though he said that things look ok. The pelvic exam wasn't very pleasant and I bled a bit and had painful contractions afterwards but again, they said that this is normal at this stage. I'm not complaining but I kind of hoped that the doctor would be a bit more supportive of my attempt to have a VBAC. After all this is the main reason why I'm not having a C-section with Dr. Tayler who is an excellent doctor and very kind and friendly. I hope that at the hospital I will be encouraged and not rushed into any decisions unless necessary.
I had two other appointments: one with the optometrist, who said I have astigmatism and gave me what he called "an interesting glasses prescription" and one with a chiropractor who massaged my back, popped it and my neck and tried to put my pelvis into place. Apparently my pelvis is a bit misaligned and this is why I'm having so much pain. I'll have to go back cause I'm still hurting but I'm at least happy that he was able to check what's going on and work on me a little bit. Jane cried a lot while the doctor was working on me because she is very protective of me so the experience wasn't the best because I could tell that the doctor was flustered even though he tried hard not to show it.
Jane had a couple appointments herself. She went to the dentist for the first time and the doctor said that her teeth look great and that she will soon get one more incisive and four premolars. No sign of canines yet :). He advised me to brush her teeth at night and to not let her sleep with the bottle, which we've never done anyway. The other appointment she had was her 15 months well-child check-up. She screamed when the doctor touched her. For some reason she is really afraid of doctors. I'm pretty nervous about next week when she'll get her 15 months shots but we'll have to do it. Anyway, she is 32in long (92%) and 24lbs (75%). The doctor said that she looks great and is right on track.
So, now we're getting ready for Alyss to show up and before then I'll go to the chiropractor at least once more and also to the dentist. Thank goodness for MedicAid who pays for all this.
Here are a few more recent pictures.

37 Weeks

Cute Jane

34 Weeks Already?!?!?!

That's right. Believe it or not, I'm 34 weeks along. Only a few more weeks and Alyss will be here. Who knows, she might come a bit early. I wouldn't mind as long as she's healthy.

The last doctor's appointment went well, just like all the others. My blood pressure was good, urine good, measured 34cm and baby's heart rate was 148, also good. We've been discussing with the doctor what options do I have concerning the birth and after this last visit I really started thinking seriously if I want to try VBAC (vaginal birth after C-section) or a C-section again. We already have the C/S scheduled for the 15th of February (due date is the 20th) but I really felt recently that I'd like to try VBAC. The doctor isn't opposed to it but he said that he would need to refer me to a doctor in Provo or Salt Lake so that I could give birth at a big and well-equipped hospital, in case of an emergency and the necessity of a C/S. I've done some research and it seems that VBAC is totally possible and it can be successful but there is a chance for the baby to not get enough oxygen or for a uterine rupture. The main reason why I'm still considering the C/S is because with Jane I tried to deliver vaginally but, even though I dilated to 10cm she never descended and her heart rate was not very stable. I fear that it might happen again so I've decided to not get an epidural for as long as I can manage, and to walk around, not just lay in bed. I might even consider to get in the tub at some point. I remember that last time, even though the contractions hurt I felt better when I would stand and walk than when I stayed in bed and I got horrible back pain. I also hope that walking and standing will help the baby position herself and descend and also will help me dilate without the use of pitocin. They will not give me pitocin because it creates violent contractions, which could be dangerous for my previous incision. So, I feel good about trying VBAC and I really hope that I will be able to do it and not have to take tons of medications and endure the pain and recovery after a C/S. I want to be able to take care of my babies afterwards, with David working a lot and me being at home with both of them. We'll let the doctor know of the decission next week, at the next appointment, when I'll also ask him to check that Alyss is head down and getting ready to make her appearance into the world. I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions on and off and I feel pressure in my pelvis so I know that my body is getting ready for the big event. I also get occasional back pain and the aches in my pelvis, all the way around are pretty bad, especially after I go on walks but, just like last time, I plan on walking all the way until the last day. It makes me happy and I know it's good for me and the baby, plus Jane really enjoys our walks as well. Can't wait for Alyss to get here, to see her and hold her close. I'm nervous about what it's going to be like and how Jane will react but I'm also excited to have another little girl and the chance to be the Mommy of a newborn once more. I love being pregnant and I love babies and am happy that David is always by my side, supports me, comes to all the appointments and is just as excited about our baby girls as I am.

2011 - A year of love

December 2011

Happy together

As we approach the Christmas holiday and the end of the year, we once again reflect on the year we’ve had and the ups and downs that enriched and filled our lives. As our family’s tradition goes, we like to put on paper the highlights of our year. We hope you enjoy reading about us and hope to hear back about your lives.                                                                                                                                  

David’s year’s been an interesting one. He worked two jobs at Simply Mac and Borders Bookstore all the way until the end of July and got accepted into a Master Program at the New York Institute of Technology. As we were getting ready to leave, the school asked David to postpone starting school until January 2012 because of changes they were still working on. October rolls by and we learn that the changes were more drastic than we thought and involved an entirely online program. Our plans to move to NYC changed once again with us deciding to stay in Utah and continue with our lives. David still works at Simply Mac while looking into finding computer training jobs that he might be qualified for or even some other better paying jobs that could provide enough income for us to live a decent life.

Jane's Second Christmas

Dahlee had a pretty eventful year as well. Being a stay-home-mom for Jane, she worked at being a good example and a loving mother to her. Seeing Jane grow brings Dahlee much joy and a sense of accomplishment. In June, we found out that we are expecting our second baby, which we found out is another girl. We are so excited to bring Jane a little baby sister and hope that they will love each other very much. In September, Dahlee was sworn in and became an American citizen. She is very happy and proud to be an American and even changed her name to Dahlee Anna to make it a bit easier to pronounce for everyone. One activity that Dahlee became very interested in and enjoyed doing this year is crocheting. She’s made many cute hats and is thinking and hoping to be able to make more and to even sell them. She already has a few orders and sold a couple of hats too.

Jane is one

Jane turned one in November. We had a nice party for her and she received many cool gifts. She is as happy as can be and is developing ways to express her feelings and needs more. Sometimes that means she cries or screams, while other times it means smiling or pointing with her finger. We went to Disneyland in October and Jane loved the carousels. Some milestones Jane accomplished this year include sitting on her own, eating by herself, mastering the pincer grasp, crawling, walking while holding unto furniture, saying ‘mama’ and ‘dada’ and walking while holding our hand.

We had a good year and hope that the next will be even better, especially with the arrival of a new baby in February, the visit of my Mom and Jane growing taller, walking and talking. We are thankful for dear family members and friends who stood by us in good and not so good times and for the things we were able to accomplish this year. Now, at the end of 2011, we wish you to have a wonderful holiday season surrounded by your loved ones and a wonderful and successful 2012.

Jane loves stuffed animals and barks like a little dog when she sees one :)

Love, David, Dahlee and Jane

Your Day to Remember

My dear Jane, what a beautiful birthday you had! Here's your day in detail, for you and us to remember.
After a pretty rough night, where you woke up screaming and really scared me, you and I got to sleep in and woke up close to 12 noon! Since Daddy was at work, the house was very quiet and, since we were both tired, we just kept on sleeping. It felt pretty good :) Well, after we got up we had to go pick up your cake and a few more things for your birthday party. When we walked upstairs you were so surprised by the decorations that Mommy and Daddy put up the night before! You kept on smiling and looking excitedly everywhere around the living room. You were so much fun to watch. It made me happy to see you so excited.

Table decor

Decorations

Watching the decorations

So, to continue, we went to the store for a couple of hours and when we got back Mommy put everything away while you kept crawling into the fridge and dishwasher. :) Since after we finished the last preparations we only had a few minutes until people were going to start showing up, I gave you a quick bath, I took a quick shower and then we got dressed. Just then, Lia, Eni, bunica Palade and the kids (Aren, Lizzy, Bianca and Nadia) showed up. You were taken by surprise by the noise and started crying but very soon you got excited to see everyone. Not long after your Dad came home from work and helped me set the table. For food we had pasta salad, your Dad's specialty, chicken strips, chips and french fries and for drinks we had different kinds of soda. Everyone liked the food and the soda. Not long after we started eating, Eve showed up. We all had a great time together. The kids watched Cars 2 and us, grown-ups talked and enjoyed each other's company.

Yummy food

After dinner we lit the number 1 candle on your Baby Pooh and Tigger cake and sang Happy Birthday and Multi Ani Traiasca. It was fun especially afterwards, when you had a cake just for yourself. You got pretty messy with cream but had a great time. After Daddy gave you a bath to clean you up, we opened all the cool gifts that you received from your grandparents, all our friends and of course from me and Daddy. You got a lot of cute clothes, books and a couple of toys and Mommy got you a little Precious Moments porcelain statue for you to collect.

Everyone singing Happy birthday and Multi any traiasca

Family picture

You enjoyed your special cake

Opening presents

Later, when everyone was getting ready to leave, Carl, Karina and Liam came by to congratulate you. You had fun playing with Liam and opening the gift from them.

Playing with Liam

Karina and Eni talking about pregnancy

All in all, this day was a bit tiring but so beautiful. You are one year older and such a joy to be around. We love you so much and hope that you'll have much happiness in your life.

All the girls at the party

Our Sweet Pea, Jane is one!!!!!

Jane's Beautiful Birthday Cake

Yeah, that's right Jane! You're one year old today and such a joy to us. I can't believe that last year, today I first held you in my arms and nursed you and looked into your pretty face with tears in my eyes. Jane, you are the best thing that ever happened to me. You make me happy every day. Every time we see your bright, beautiful smile we forget about all our problems. Did you know that there are a lot of people out there who stop us to just tell us how beautiful you are and how cute your smile is? It's true and it always makes us happy and proud. You are a wonderful little girl.

You love to crawl around and to walk while holding our hand. You love to talk to us and play with us. You love to be held close and fall asleep next to mommy. You love stuffed animals. A few weeks ago, when we went to Disneyland you got so excited when we found the stuffed animals in the baby section. You also liked the carousels. It was so much fun to see you so happy and excited. Another thing you love is music. You dance and smile real big when almost any kind of music starts playing.

Oh, and guess what you do when people say "bye, bye" or "pa, pa" to you? You wave back!!! You also clap your hands when you hear someone clap or when Mommy says "bravo" and when Mommy asks you "cum face pisica?" you meow in a really cute way. You still only say Mom and Dad or a combination thereof but just recently you started saying "ahdough. Don't know what that means but it sounds like you say "alo" especially since you say the word when mommy says "alo". Anyway, you are way cute and smart and can't wait for you to start walking and talking!

For your birthday, mommy and daddy prepared a cute birthday party. I'm sure you'll like all the gifts you get, the decorations and the Tigger and Pooh cake. Mommy will take lots of pictures for you and us to remember this precious event in your life.

We love you Jane! I will always be thankful for having such a good, beautiful and smart baby girl. I want you to know that we'll always be here for you and you'll always find a friend in us. Happy birthday Janeytsa!!!!

Mommy, Daddy and Baby
We're a happy family!

Trick-or-Treat!

Today was the first time ever that both Jane and Dahlee went trick-or-Treating! It was a lot of fun. I decided to go to the outlets in Park City. I dressed Jane in her cute pumpkin costume she got from Grandma and Grandpa Jo and I put on a shirt I got for the occasion and the cute ears headband and out we went. It was such a nice and sunny day which made the whole experience even better. We went from store to store trick-or-treating and got lots of candy! :) Funny story: when I entered the first store it was really quiet and no one seemed to give us any candy so we just left. In the next store there were a couple of kids with their parents, and the kids yelled loudly "trick-or-treat"! So that was the way to the candy! You gotta say the right words. So, we did and had a blast! On the way back home we saw other kids trick-or-treating in their neighborhoods and also a few nicely decorated houses. I can't wait to have house and decorate it for every holiday! :) I love decorating and celebrating holidays. Last year, I received trick-or-treaters for the first time and this year I went out and had fun with it myself. I love having kids. It gives me an excuse to do more fun things, which in return creates fun memories for the years to come. Trick-or-treat!!!

At the Tanger Outlets in Park City, UT 

Tangeroo and jane

Mommy and Jane

Beautiful day

Jane, our little pumpkin

Jane likes candy :)

Our Fun California Trip

After about two and a half years we were able to finally go to California and visit everyone there. We had a nice time staying at grandma and grandpa Barlow, visiting grandma Jo and aunt Kari, going to the beach and to Disneyland, Los Angeles and Knots Berry Farm. This was the first major trip for Jane and the first time she ever traveled to California. Here are some pictures of our adventures!

At the Jolly Bee Filipino restaurant in Las Vegas
A tradition for us to eat there 

Minnie Jane

Jane got really excited when she saw the stuffed animals

Disney family - at Disneyland 

Jane and Uncle Terry's nice dogs
They smelled and my pregnant nose couldn't stand it

Jane and great-grandma Jo

Jane and great-grandpa Barlow

Big one!!! Jane was soaking wet after that :) 

On the beach

Crawling in the wet sand

We are family

Foggy pier

Huntington Beach 

Jane on one of the carousells

Jane loved the caroussels

Jane was exhausted after we spent an entire day at
California Adventure and Disneyland

Snoopy and Jane

Yummy Tiramisu cake from Knots Betty Farm

See how tall I am?

La Brea museum - Jane sitting in a Mammoth footprint

La Brea Tar Pitts - LA

Eating at Rainforest Cafe - Downtown Disney

Jane and great-grandma Barlow