Zoe at 4 weeks

Its been a eventful 4 weeks. Gas is running rapid. I've learn the art of dodging pee and poop. And I am currently matering the art of baby massage and laying the baby down without waking her. Ahhhhh, the good life. She is absolutely beautiful and it's hard to tear myself a way from her. Even when she's pooping her pants. She's a joy to be around and I'm so blessed. That's why it's going to be hell on me because I've decided to go back to work. For the Saturdays of June and The first one in July, I am going to be in school getting my personal trainer certification. I finally found a classroom program that is compatible with my schedule. Then, I have to do a 30 hour internship. Which should be no problem since my trainer, who will eventually be my boss, is already on board! :). I thank god for my hubby and mom because without them, this would not be possible. Zoe is such a big part of my life. But, I have come to the realization that she can't BE my life. I love you, Zoe Nicole! :)

38 Weeks: Zoe Nicole Ampy

On March 25th, 2012, Derrick and I were at my mother's house when I felt a pain I had never felt.  I thought it was a contraction.  I did my breathing and went about our evening.  That night, sleeping was uncomfortable, but in this last month, every night sleeping was uncomfortable.  March 26th came around and the contractions were more frequent.  At first, I thought it was just Braxton Hicks Contractions.  But, then around noonish, I called Derrick and told him that I think these were real contractions.  I had my contraction counter on my ipad and my iphone so I started keeping record of the contractions.  I had also lost my mucus plug so I was a bit on edge.  By that night, my contractions were 10 minutes apart.   I called the OB and she said I could come on in. I convinced Derrick to take me to the hospital.  I did my hair, put on my jewelry, got dressed, and off we went.  Of course, we get to triage and they decide to check me to see how far dilated I was (which is a pretty painful procedure...she didn't even buy me dinner first--(thanks DSA).  My cervix was barely open and they sent me home.  March 27th rolls around and the contractions are stronger.  At 4 pm, I called Derrick to tell him my contractions were 4 minutes apart.  He said, he will be home by 5.  The OB told us that the contractions had to be consistently 4 minutes or less apart before they would admit me.  We called her around 5:30 pm and I told her that I wanted to come to the hospital.  Derrick took the phone to talk to her.  So, Derrick told me that we were going to wait until the contractions were more consistant.  I took a bath.  And while it did help soothe me for a little bit, the contractions were still pretty consistant.  So, by 8 pm, I'm screaming my head off!  Derrick finally says, let's go to the hospital.  My contractions at this time were definitely less than 4 minutes.  I felt so much pressure in my undercarriage!  Every couple of minutes, the contractions were coming.  I was in so much pain.  I put on a shirt and some workout pants.  Nothing was underneath.  My hair was everywhere.  When we got to the hospital.  I was really in pain.  They let me through security and the ER staff rushed me up to the Birthing Center.  When she checked me this time, I was 4 cm dilated.  I wanted DRUGS!!!!!  I could barely stand up.  My contractions were coming about every 2 minutes!!!!  I wanted my epidural!  SCREW NATURAL BIRTH!  I wanted my epidural!!! (especially since I knew that it wouldn't effect the baby).  By the time I got into my birthing room, the contractions were coming back to back.  The pain was serious.  I was so happy and thankful when I finally received the epidural.  I didn't move an inch.  And, I was still having contractions at the time.  When it finally kicked in, I was cool.  I asked how long would it be because I could have used a nap.  But they checked me and told me that I was 8 cm dilated.  Less than an hour later, I was pushing.  Mom came in just in time to see the top of my little girl's head.  Derrick was awesome.  He was a great coach.  He held my foot.  He kept me positive.  And, he told me what I needed to hear.  I love that man!!!  :)  At 11:38 pm...

Zoe Nicole Ampy was born.  One of the happiest days of my life.  I never knew I could love two people so much.  I love her Dad, but seeing her and him together, just made me love them so much more.  When I first saw her face, I was in total shock.  She's my baby!  MY BABY!  :)  She's so beautiful.  She's smart.  And, very spoiled already.  Between Derrick and I, and her grandparents, this child is going to be spoiled rotten.  I can't wait to watch her grow and change.  She's already trying to roll over.  She's smiling and cooing even though she's not "supposed" to be able to do either for weeks.  She's my lil peapod...who is growing a little bit each day.  Especially if she keeps eating the way she does!!!  :)

Every day, there is some moment that makes me realize that I am responsible for a little human being.  For instance, she pooped on me.  And, while the exploding poop landed on my hand, instead of getting grossed out and getting physically ill like I probably would have done prior to Zoe, I just cleaned it up and finished cleaning her up.  Afterwards, I just held her near me while we both fell asleep :)  When she spits up on me, no problem, clean her up, wipe it up, and go about our day.  The changes in me have been significant.  I just can't believe that the arrival of one little person has changed my life so completely.  And, I love it!  I love every little thing about her.  I love the look on my hubby's face when he comes in the room and she looks at him.  Its like he's melting inside.  I love seeing them together.  I love just holding her.  Smelling her.  Looking into her big brown eyes (that she got from her Daddy).  There is nothing like being a Mommy.

What really got me is that this year, I will be able to celebrate Mother's Day.  I'm a Mom!!!!  I'm just in a state of disbelief...not really, but it just blows my mind.  Its not like I would make a big deal out of Mother's Day, but its just the thought of one day hearing my little girl call me Mommy...it just makes me tear up thinking about it.

I waited on having a child because I wanted to be a responsible mom.  In my 20s, I still felt like a kid.  And, while I'm now 33, it wasn't until this past year when I felt like I was old enough and responsible enough to have a child.  I think that was probably the smartest decision Derrick and I ever made.  Now, while Zoe has changed our lives completely, the transition isn't as bad as I thought it would be.  We have the help of our parents.  Derrick pitches in like a champ.  Dirty diaper, crying baby, bottle feeding, no problem...that's his baby.  We need to go out, no problem...Grammy Beverly will gladly stay with Zoe.  Grandpa flew 30 plus hours from China to spend some time with his granddaughter.  Grandma Pill will be here in a week or so to help me with the baby.  Honestly, my family has been awesome.

I'm totally blessed.  Zoe is such a sweet and loving baby...spoiled, but sweet and loving.  I couldn't have asked for a better peapod :)

Week 38: I'm HUGE!

My lil peapod isn't so little anymore! She's taking up all the room of my tummy. I went to the OB on Monday and he told me that I have a bacteria known as Strep B. Strep B is actually common in women. And while it doesn't really effect the woman or the men, when a woman is giving birth vaginally, it can have an effect to the baby. So, to combat that, I have to take antibiotics when I'm admitted to the hospital. The cool thing is that I don't have to wait on timing my contractions or anything should my water break first. Also, my Zoe was showing her booty to us while we were in the OB's office! I told Derrick she was showing her a**! :). She's been moving down slowly, hitting nerves and kicking spine :). Hopefully it won't be long now. I've been trying to "walk her down". I know she's going to come in her own time, but I really would like it if she would come soon :) And to my cousin Shatoria...Happy Birthday, and I'm sorry but she's not coming today :)

Week 36: THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!!!!

I'm so ready to give birth.  Now I see why women get anxious in the last month.  Waiting...  Anticipating...  The arrival.  It's not just because we want to see our babies.  Which, of course, we do.  It's because its so uncomfortable in the last month!!!!  Breathing is a hard task.  Getting comfortable is darn near impossible.  The inventor of the lazy boy chair/recliner should be a nobel peace prize winner!  That is the only place I can sleep comfortably.  Not even my sleep number adjustable bed, which has been my savior during my pregnancy, is doing the trick anymore.  Back pain, side pain, pain in my undercarriage...just pain.  And this is the EASY part!!!!  I just really want my body back.

Due to my lack of comfort as of late, I am rethinking my no drugs stance.  At first, I was really thinking, no...no drugs.  I don't want to effect the baby.  But, after talking to the OB and learning that an epidural will NOT effect the baby...its not sounding so bad.  Sure I'll have to wrap my mind around a big a** needle going in between my spine.  But, if it means that I can push this baby out with little to no pain, it may be worth it!

I'm not going to rush things though.  I am going to take this one day at a time.  I want her to be fully developed and if it means suffering for a few weeks I will.  I will just focus on other things.  I'll do our taxes, study for my personal training examination, clean and cook.  I've been banned from driving around alone (and my mother in law as a companion doesn't count), so I'll put my energy into my home and getting the rest that is needed before Zoe arrives.

I will say this.  My hubby has been a godsent.  He realizes that I'm not superwoman.  And, that things that would usually take no time at all, take me forever now that I'm waddling wherever I go and that I'm running on low energy in just about everything I do.  He's been amazing.  When I complained about not getting enough sleep, he went and bought me this soothing lavender and vanilla bath oil that helps me sleep.  For the past few months, he's been sleeping on the couch, giving me the room I need in the bed.  And, when I need it, he uplifts my spirits.  He has been really great.  And, I appreciate him for all that he does.

My girlfriends have been awesome.  Giving me advice that's needed because they have been where I am.  My mom has been so helpful and she's so excited about her first grandbaby!  Even my mom in law who initially was kind of indifferent, seems to be looking forward to the lil one's arrival.  My dad calls and gives me advice and advocates for Derrick.  And, my cousins have been constantly checking up on me and making sure I'm okay.  My grandparents call every so often to see if I'm okay.  I mean I just have this group of people who care so much and I have got to thank them all because they have been truly awesome and happy about this pregnancy.

Once Zoe arrives, this blog will convert to the going on of Zoe Nicole Ampy.  So, if you want updates on how she's doing, I'll definitely put them all here :)

Bj

Week 35: A look back on the Durham Baby Shower and other stuff...

This shower was totally different from my first shower.  I say that because the first one was thrown by my wonderful cousin/bestie, Tiffani.  I basically didn't have to lift a finger when it came to the preparations.  This one, I did.  My mom, I love her, but she is not the baby shower throwing type.  :)  She's good at a lot of things, but planning a baby shower isn't one of them :)  So, I admit, I did a lot of the work, and since everything was done in a very short span of time...I can honestly say, it wasn't the best, but I enjoyed myself and I think my guests did too.

Even though...if there was something that could go wrong, it probably did!!!  :)  My mom and aunt got on me about being angry and worrying because it could affect the baby.  And, they are absolutely right, no question.  But, throughout this pregnancy I have had a lot of ups and a lot of downs and emotionally, I've been all over the place.  I pray that I haven't affected Zoe negatively in any way. And, while GOD doesn't give you so much that you can't handle things, I have to say that I've had my share of things these past 8 months.

Back to the shower...we set up the night before.  All the decorations were set.  The gift bags were prepared.  The games were set (thanks to my wonderful cousin/bestie/hostess, Kimberly) and the centerpieces, a beautiful diaper cake and diaper wreath made by some of Derrick's coworkers, were prominently placed where everyone could admire them.  The venue was a bowling alley party room.  Unfortunately, the downside to having your shower at a venue like that is that you have to purchase their food.  The only thing we could bring in was the cake and ice cream.  But, I was even okay with that.

Saturday came...and when we arrived, I should have known something was wrong when the Manager rushed over to me.  There was a really bad thunderstorm Friday night and there was some flooding in the alley.  And, it rained in the party room.  Everything wasn't lost.  But, the diaper cake got wet and they tried to clean it up.  And, I was mad.  I was mad because I thought about all the work people put into the cake.  I mean on the top of the cake were these hand crocheted booties for our little girl.  And, they got wet.  They weren't ruined but it was just the principle of it all.  Derrick told me that on Monday, the ladies thought it was hilarious!  But, at the time, I was really hot about it.  The finger food...not that great.  The cake was awesome!!!!  A good time was had by all.  Zoe was blessed with some wonderful gifts.  I got to catch up with some family and friends and it was a nice event.

I'm 35 weeks.  Starting next Monday, I will see the doctor every week.  Zoe is starting to make her descent.  I am excited...and a little scared.  Only because I realize that in a matter of a few weeks, I will become a mommy to this little person.  I will be instrumental in molding and shaping this little person.  And, while I know its an adventure into the unknown and you really can't prepare for it...its a little scary :)   Derrick, the insightful person that he is, had this revelation on Facebook, and it was like he put into words everything I had been feeling but was scared to talk about.  He has a tendency to do that.  I think that's part of the reason why I love him so.  But, he has no idea how his words and the words of a few others, helped me.  I felt like I had to try to be strong and hold how I felt in.  I've done that a lot in life.  But today, he truly made me realize that I don't have to do that anymore.  What I do know is that Zoe is going to be loved and cared for.  And, that I'm not doing this alone.  And, that gives me comfort and strength.  I have a loving husband who is there for both my daughter and me, a mother and a mother-in-law who are both willing to help out any way they can.  A father and an other mom who are sure to be flying in and out of RDU more frequently as soon as Zoe arrives.  I have a network of people who love this child so much already and she's not even here yet.  I admit, we are blessed :)  And, that makes the fear and the stress go away.  So for these next 5 weeks, or more if lil Zoe deems it so, I am going to be extra happy because I can focus on the love I have for her and my family, and not worry so much.  I can be the mommy that I want to be.

Bj  :)

Baby Shower Numba 2...

is happening people.  Those near NC will be invited.  If your invite has not reached you, it is either, in the mail or going in the mail today.  I am really excited.  All hubbys and significant others who choose to not to attend the shower (which is being held in a private room), can hang with my hubby outside of the shower since it is being held in a bowling alley.  You guys can laugh, drink, bowl (if available) and share stories about how you are going to keep the boys away from your daughters!

Zoe is doing fine.  We are in week 33, and she is growing.  Not much room to move.  When she does, it looks like an alien experiment is going on inside my belly.  The feelings from the inside is more like it tickles or hurts (if she's stretching too far and hits organs).  From the outside, it looks like something out of a Sci-Fi flick.  Derrick found this very intriguing yesterday.  We also tested the music theory.  Our little girl seems to like J-Pop (or japanese pop...like her daddy), Beyonce and Chris Brown.  She also likes Soul music.  Jazz seems to soothe her and put her to sleep.  She stopped moving when Lil Wayne popped up, so we can safely assume that she doesn't particularly like the sound of his voice...which pleases her parents.

As we get closer to her due date, I get so anxious.  I feel like there is so much to do before she gets here.  Maybe this nesting thing really is starting to kick in.  :)  I think my hubby will be happy :)

Bj

Week 32: is it possible...

Is it possible that I'm going to get any bigger?! LOL! Life is good, though it's gotten a bit more complicated:). Last Saturday, we took our pregnancy pics, which has been posted by the hubby on his...and my Facebook pages. I must say...we look very happy and we enjoyed every minute of it :). I thought I was nesting. Not quite yet, but I do tend to spend more time in Zoe's room. I think it makes me feel even closer to her when we are in here. As I type, I'm in her room. I do find myself messing with her clothes and her things :). I am enjoying this time because soon she will be arriving and the peacefulness I feel right now, gets thrown under a bus! I would love to think that I'm going to have this newborn who only cries when she's wet or hungry. But i know better! :). I'm just going to sit back and try to enjoy it for all it's worth. Because I know shes definitely worth it all :) Rarely do I talk about my mother in law on here, but an unfortunate event has happened and I feel the need to talk about it. My mom in law lives with us. She suffered a stroke and aneurysm 20 years ago, and unfortunately, she still suffers with effects from it. She is partially paralyzed and only uses her left hand and leg. I took her to the doctor on Friday and I found out that she tore cartilage in her left chest. Now, what the doctor usually tells a person in this situation is, just use your right arm for the next 4-6 weeks. Well...she can't do that. My hubby and I are her primary caregivers and now we are scrambling to figure out what to do. The fact is this couldn't have happened at a worse time. I'm 8 months pregnant (give or take a few days)! I can't be lifting her, bathing her,etc in my current condition. And my hubby, has to work. We are thinking a nurses aide may have to come in and help her for a little while. Though bringing this up to her, will probably be a little tough, it's the best thing for her. Today, Derrick and I had our first birthing class session. It was great! I learned that my hubby has magic hands! His massages were the best! I was actually visualizing us in the beach relaxing while he was massaging me. I could smell the salt water and feel the sun on my face. Any worries were drained during that time! I am really hoping that I can experience all that when I'm in labor. If I do...this birthing thing will be a breeze! We also saw a couple of birthing videos. I am in awe and amazed at the biology of a woman. The fact is we were made to do this. We have strength that we haven't even tapped into yet. It makes me feel proud to have this experience. I was a little surprised that Derrick didnt ger grossed out by the birth. The only part that he thought was yucky, was the afterbirth :). To tell you the truth, I can't blame him for thinking that. But it is the vessel that has been keeping our wee one safe for all these months. So I have a bit of respect for it :). A woman's body is amazing. Tomorrow, we go back for our last session. Breathing exercises :). And hopefully, they will teach my hubby how to swaddle. He's very intrigued about learning how :) Zoe has been swimming around...with less room to swim :). I've seen what I think was her butt through my skin :). Derrick thinks I'm seeing things :). She's getting bigger and her space is getting smaller. I haven't really experienced a lot of back pain, just a little. I'm finding it harder to get in and out of bed, along with comfortable sleeping positions. And, I do wake up in the middle of the night more frequently now. Even with all that going on, I must say, this has been one of the most exciting times of my life. And we can't wait to meet our little girl! Bj

Michigan Baby Shower Weekend (the Tarantino version)

Monday: I woke up feeling good. I had a good time and I was leaving the cold and the snow to go to the 50-60 degree weather of home :). Got into the car and I felt a little queasy. When we got to the airport, I felt bad, but I figured a trip to the restroom and some food in my tummy would make things better. I was very wrong. The plane taxis out the runway, and by the time we are in the air, I have filled up two barf bags. I felt so horrible. But the people around me were so understanding. My hubby was rubbing my back, and so was my mom in law. The flight attendant gotme some ginger ale. And the passengers seemed to empathize with me. After getting sick, I thought I would feel better. Again, I was so wrong. About 10 minutes before we land, I let go again. Luckily, I still had a Delta trash bag in my purse on the car ride home...blah! I let go again! I think Derrick was so happy that I had that bag. His whole front seat would have been soaked! And this continued throughout the day until I got some Gatorade in my system. I have such empathy for those mommies to be who get sick throughout their pregnancy. One day of morning, afternoon and evening sickness had me worn out! I admit, I've been blessed. Sunday: I may not have had a white Christmas but visiting Michigan sure made up for it. It was so pretty and so cold! . We had plans to have a family dinner with Derrick's family, but due to weather conditions we just went to visit his grandmother instead. She was happy to see us and it was good to see her. Saturday: My cousin/BFF threw me a baby shower. She planned and set everything up. All I had to do was give her a guest list and show up. It was fantastic! When I walked in the room, I felt the love :). And I'm sure that Zoe felt it too :). We all had such a good time. I got to see my aunts and cousins, my sister in laws, a uncle (unexpectantly, friends, and my oldest niece and my youngest nephew. It was good to see them all. The games were cute. And opening the gifts was fun. Zoe is going to be one of the most well dressed babies on the block! :) Simultaneously during the baby shower, my mom in law was having a get together with her friends and family. Since it had been over 10 years since she had been to Flint, and about 20 years since she had seen some of her friends, she invited them to the restaurant to catch up. While I would have loved for her to do this another time...is neither here or there, she enjoyed herself and she was happy, and that's all I can ask for. Derrick was running back and forth between both events. And I must say, I am a blessed woman. My hubby is awesome. He was trying to be a translator for his mom, and be a supportive hubby for me. It makes me appreciate him all he does. He honestly needs a vacation from our vacation. But I am glad at some point he was able to enjoy himself. I love him very much. That evening we went to my inlaws' house for a birthday party. We had a blast! It was nice to chill out with the family and we finally got to set eyes on our beautiful little niece :). She is such a doll. That night made me realize that we all need to get together more often. Derrick and I both loved seeing everyone and wish we could have had more time together. Friday: Getting through the airports sucked! I felt so bad for Derrick because he not only had to deal with my pregnant butt, but his disabled mom. Pushing her around in a wheelchair, and me waddling through the airport was a time and a half. But when we got to Detroit, it was beautiful. The grass was green and the sun was out. It was beautiful. It made me smile to be back in Michigan. I didn't realize how much I missed it until we made the drive to Grand Blanc. Seeing my other mom and my brother was awesome. All in all it was a great trip and I loved it. I hope we can make it back when the weather is a little warmer and Zoe is vaccinated. Bj

Week 29: Zoe's Nursery and Shopping while Pregnant

Zoe's nursery is coming along. We are still waiting on one final piece to be delivered on Friday. The hutch that goes with her dresser was damaged when they tried to deliver it on Monday. I love her crib. It converts from a crib, to a toddler bed, to a day bed, then to a full sized bed. I recommend getting a bed that grows with your child. We made sure we got all the attachments now, just in case they discontinue the bed somewhere down the line. We decided against painting her room. What we did do is get these removable decals that match her bedding. She's going to have a butterfly garden on her walls. I promise to post pictures when it's all finished :). The primary color is purple because my hubby made me promise not to just dress her and decorate in pink...so I won't.

I put together the glider we received from my Dad and Other Mom. I'm the female Bob Villa! :) It's so comfy. I just look at it and smile. I can just imagine Derrick or I rocking Zoe to sleep in it. It's in our room because that's where we are sure Zoe will be for at least a month or so. Eventually, she will be sleeping in her own room :) But, for the first month, she will be in a co-sleeper next to our bed.

My mom and I went shopping yesterday. We set Destination Maternity on FIRE! I was trying on clothes and I realized something. My belly is HUGE!!!!!! I know I'm in my third trimester, but goodness I am huge! But the clothes were cute. We bought a lot. I am looking forward to taking professional pictures with my hubby for the first time. A picture that I can hang in our living room or family room over the fireplace. A picture of me, my hubby and our peapod. :). The saleswoman tried to get me to buy this sweater that would show my bare belly (for picture purposes). But I couldn't do it. While I do have a nice belly, I am a little self conscious of my appendix and gall bladder surgery scars. So I opted for a couple of shirts that were sheer. OH...ladies, I wish I had discovered this sooner. Leggings are your friend! They are sooooo comfortable. I wish I had started wearing them sooner. I love my jeans, but as I get bigger, the jeans are harder to put on. I got 3 pairs. Trust me...they are worth it.

Zoe and I are healthy and doing fine. Liver is tasting better. My iron intake has probably gone up due to the iron supplements along with my prenatals and I've been eating a lot of cream of wheat, which is chocked full of iron. She's getting stronger with her kicks and movements :) life is definitely good in the Ampy household :)

Bj

Week 28: Getting over the plague and other stuff...

I was sick for about 2 weeks. A cold that just wouldn't die. It kept transferring from my head to my chest and back. For about 7 days, I did nothing but sleep, take robitussin, sudafed and fluids. It sucked. I was really worried about Zoe, but I was told that due to her surroundings she should be okay. All the meds I took were Ok'd by the OB. And while I still have a bit of a cough and some phlegm in my system, I'm no longer at outbreak levels :)

Changing a room from a library to a baby's room is no easy task. Luckily my hubby took on the bulk of the work (gotta love that man!). Moving shelves and books...it is a lot of work. We had to rearrange our office just to fit all the bookshelves into it. Downsizing isnt a problem when you think about the reward. Zoe is our little reward and we can't wait to meet her.

Her furniture arrives on Friday. The furniture is very elegant and fit for a little princess. Grammy Beverly wouldn't have it any other way. She is going to spoil this child rotten! But I should have known...she's been saving money for her grand baby since Derrick and I got married. And, she told us that she was going to move near us the moment we told her that I was pregnant. So, I guess I shouldn't have expected anything less :). I admit, I love having my mom around. Even though she nags...she does it because she loves us. I can respect that :)

The OB told me that my glucose is normal, but I am anemic. So, I am now taking iron supplements along with my prenatals. I'm also still eating my iron enriched foods so my iron levels should be up in no time :). Liver, dare I say it...has grown on me. And it's all the peapod's fault! :)

I also went back to the gym yesterday. Squats, when you have extra weight in your tummy area, are not fun! But they are good to do, so I did them :). As I get further along, working out gets a bit harder, but I do it so that my body will bounce back quicker after I give birth.

Derrick and I are scheduled for pictures in February, and in two weeks, we along with my Mom-in-law, will be flying to Michigan to see the family and friends. I can travel up to 36 weeks so I should be fine. And Delta is one of the few airlines that don't make you show documentation to clear you to fly when pregnant...though I will have my medical records and documentation with me just in case.

Zoe: your womb hiccups have got to be one of the cutest things I've ever experienced. You have begun to be even more active now. I can even see your movements a little on the outside of my belly :). You make me so happy.

Bj