Jalilah's Amazing Delivery

Being induced is no joke!

I will try to sum it up the best I can but I was in labor for about 17 hours & there's a lot I don't want to miss

The morning I was being induced I could hardly sleep. I woke up at 3:00am and wasn't able to go back into a full sleep. My alarm was set for 5:55am and I was going to call L&D at 6:00am to see when I could come in for my delivery. I called at 6:10am after doing numerous squats, walking back and forth, and even some jumping jacks and anything that could possibly induce my labor instead of going in. It didn't work. The lady who answered put me on hold to check the schedule, got back on and told me to take a shower and have something to eat then come in at 8:00am. The next two hours couldn't have went any slower. I immediately took a shower to get ready. Frantically I went over and over the different things that were coming to the hospital, Bri'elles bag that was packed, and making sure daddy was getting up (I let him sleep in). 

Since I was craving a bagel and cream cheese we went to Noah's Bagels for breakfast. I ordered a sesame seed bagel and regular cream cheese. We sat and ate there. After we dropped off some Pampered Chef stuff of to a customers house (yes, I was working this morning). Then back home to drop off milk for when Bri'elle woke up. My sister Jojo stayed the night so Bri'elle could wake up in her own bed and have a nice morning at home. The house was our last stop. To the hospital we go....

On the way to the hospital Jay was playing lil Jon and the Eastside boys... this is usually my workout music. Not for the lyrics but because its hype music, lol. I told Jay he needed to turn it off otherwise I might get too crunk in L&D, it was a good laugh.

I arrived in L&D at about 8:30 - after doing all the paperwork and getting the necessary information on paper we headed to our room. We passed by the room where I had Bri'elle and I started to get nervous remembering the excitement I was soon going to have holding my baby girl in my arms. To our surprise the room they were going to put us in had just been mopped so they had us go back the way we came and next thing you know we were being put in the very same room I delivered Bri'elle in. Now both of my girls were delivered in the same room. How cool is that????

Next I was getting my IV started and the heart monitor. They checked to see if I was dilated which I was at only a 2 so we had a long way to go. The doctor then discussed some of our options and what she would like to do. There was so many different ways to induce someone it is absolutely crazy. Since I wasn't dilated too much they needed my cervix to open just a bit more so they could try to get my body to naturally start the delivery process. The option we had was a cervical balloon. This is where they place a balloon between your cervix and sac. They fill it with saline and then tie a string to your leg. Every once in awhile you give it a tug to try to stretch your cervix open. Eventually you want it to fall it out which means your dilated to the next level (a 3!). I was also put on pitocin. Now with Bri'elle I was given pitocin by accident and it scared the living daylights out of me because it literally sped my delivery so much I couldn't bare it. My nurse saw my concern and worry and promised me she would go a very slow pace. Also she said she would go by my comfort. I was relieved! The process had now begun. 

From the moment I was told when to come in to now, I was keeping everyone updated the best I could. My main concern was to not alarm anyone since who knew how long it would take. Jay's family arrived (dad, stepmom, sister), my family had arrived (mom & sister), and my besties came (Sherin & Laura). All to be the audience and well they kept me entertained. My other sister, brother, and dad came throughout the day as well. A couple hours went by and my balloon fell out with some of the mucous plug, YAY! I remember feeling like it was taking forever. But it finally came out - it is actually funny the way it came out. Sherin was helping me to the bathroom and was in the room. We were talking (I forget about what) but we were in there for a long time. I kept telling her how I was scared to pull on it but was feeling uncomfortable. So she tells me well just pull on it and see what happens. I gave it a little tug and nothing happened then all of a sudden I felt a pop and heard something fall into the tiolet. Viola, it was there! Sherin and I had our fun bathroom experiences. Once it came out I was put on a higher dose of pitocin which was bearable. Now I was at a 3 and the waiting really begins. They wanted my water to break on its own so I just needed to sit there to see what happens. 

Hours upon hours went by with no action just ALOT of contractions. We were working my contractions up to be every 2 minutes apart and needed it to be in a series. Every time I would get a good streak going it they would break off for a couple minutes and start over. Oh boy, here we go into the night!

Luckily my besties were there to keep me company. I don't know what I would have done without them there. They touched up my makeup, we talked about girl stuff, even watched a few movies. My family (extended in laws as well) did a great job being there as well. We had good conversation and the anticipation was growing more and more. Now probably the funniest thing while we were there happened. All of us played a game well I should say I was part of a race. haha! The monitor me and the baby are hooked up to has a little tv screen that shows my nurse my information as well as all her other rooms. This way she could see how her patients are doing while in other rooms in case an emergency happened. Well we all understood what the monitoring was and decided that I (and baby) were in a race against the others on who was going to have their baby. What was really funny is seeing the others have theirs and then mines still going or seeing the same person being hooked up and unhooked because she wasn't making any progress. It kept us very entertained. Who won you asked? Well obviously a few delivered but we were the first delivery of the day (stay tuned). We were growing  more and more into the night. I had lasted this whole time without pain meds.

As the night progressed I felt myself beginning to get extremely tired. Between contractions I would start to fall asleep and was yawning so much. It was scaring me since we didn't have a clue how much I had progressed. They didn't want to keep checking me because that could pose a risk for infection. Finally at 11:30 I decided I needed an epidural to help get me through the night so I can sleep and let my body get some rest. The epidural worked magically like it did with Bri'elle. I didn't feel a thing. I almost think it worked too good. Actually, after they gave me my epidural and were getting ready to put in my catheter I felt a little pop and then all of a sudden my bed was soaking wet, my water had broke. This was a good sign. That means my body was starting the process, finally! When my nurse checked me I was a 5, so I still had a while to go.

The epidural allowed me to get about an 1 1/2 of sleep. Of course, it wasn't the full sleep because of the nurses coming in to check on me. And my epidural was linked to a push button so anytime I wanted more of the medicine, I just pushed a button. It was so nice, I didn't have this with Bri'elle. With Bri'elle it was just the IV medicine. As time went by for about an hour I kept getting this weird feeling in that area. I told everyone that I was having a kind of pressure but I couldn't really feel it so I wasn't sure what it was. After a little bit of time of feeling this I decided to tell my nurse when she came in. She told me to give her a couple minutes and she would come back to check if I had dilated anymore. Sure enough when she checked she saw a head. Immediately she went to go get the doctor. My body was naturally pushing her out and I couldn't control it. Once the doctor arrived it was all downhill from there. The doctor came in at 3:15 and started to prep everything... We even had to wake up Jay who took awhile to get awake but he said once he was standing there with my leg in his arm and noticed the head that was starting to show he knew he wasn't having a dream. Then I heard the famous words from the doctor, "when you feel a contraction go ahead and start pushing". It was funny because I said okay and sat there for a minute and realized I couldn't really feel my contractions to know when to push. The nurse helped me and I just started to go for it. All of a sudden as I pushed I heard the room "awh" and then "look at all that hair". The nurse led my hand so I could feel her head coming out (we had forgot about the mirror). That was a strange feeling itself to feel something come out of your body, a little too strange I had to pull my hand back quickly. A few more pushes and she was out at 3:33am. Her and Bri'elle were in the same position when they came out, had the cord around there neck once, and didn't really cry. 

It was so emotional for me. My little girl was here!

(Pictures will be in a separate posting)

Son of the Groom

February 22nd, 2012

Jason's Dad: Marty Alfonso married his girlfriend of 2 years, DeAnna in a beautiful romantic location - Tahoe! 

The beautiful flowergirl!

You may kiss the bride

Cutting the cake

The yummy Red Velvet Cake and Sparkling Cider

Jay giving his Best Man's Speech

Love her sparkly shoes

Just Married

The Newlyweds at the Reception

My sister Haley & me

Me and my little flower girl

She loves her daddy

The siblings: Jay, Bud, Shelly

My little family

The three of us plus one in belly

I love this little girl!

The wedding was so fabulous! We drove up and got there a couple hours before the wedding. Shelly and I helped DeAnna get ready at the chapel, while the rest of the gang met us there about 30 mins before the ceremony. It was a quick little ceremony like most are. What I like about it the most was it was mostly close family that was there, very intimate. Jay was honored to be the best man and said the most sweetest speech for his dad and new MOM. It literally made me want to cry. He expressed himself very well (Jay is not someone to give speeches, he likes to just go with the flow). Ms. Bri'elle was the flowergirl. It was so neat because she wore the flowergirl dress from my wedding. I was very happy that she got to play the role and wear the dress. She looked fabulous in it and loved it! I'm so glad we kept it and it fit her. :) The reception was at a nearby Italian Restaurant - everyone from the wedding went to have dinner there. The food was so good!!! I ate my whole plate plus a slice of pizza from my sister's plate. After dinner we all headed to our rooms. Some went out to the casinos while the rest of us stayed snuggled inside. 


I'm so happy for Marty & DeAnna!!! I'm so glad I was able to be a part of it! To see Jay extremely happy for his dad and mom makes me even more happy. 


Marty & DeAnna: May God bless every year of your marriage! You will have a full life of happiness together. There will be ups and downs but what marriage doesn't have them. It will build a foundation for a great territory of love between you two and the rest of the family. I love you two so much!!!!! 

Always my Valentine

February 14th marks a very special day for Jason and I. Not only is it thee LOVE day but it is our love day. We celebrated our 3rd Wedding Anniversary this year. 

I'm a really big planner and love to extend celebrations for longer than their usual DAY. I tend to celebrate for weeks, probably even months if time allowed, haha. So this year I did a week countdown until valentine's day. I turned it into something Bri'elle and I could do through the day and surprise daddy when he got home. Things like making him cards, to little Valentine's crafts, jello hearts, conversation cut outs, dinners, making him lunch, cleaning the house, etc..etc.. I think you get the picture. It was nice to do these things for him. He was surprised to or would say, "Whats this for?" and it was a great time with Bri'elle. Everyday, I would tell her about Valentines day. More about the meaning of love. I would show her a heart and tell her it means love. She knows where your heart it and the sound it makes, thmp, thmp, thmp. I would then ask her to tell me the things she loves. One day she started by saying mommy, daddy, and continued as she went through all her grandparents, all her aunts and uncles, her friends, and then mentioned different pets she loved. It was so cute. Another day (this was my favorite) she started by saying she loved herself. I was pleased to know she included herself. So I told her yes, it's important to love yourself because Jesus loves you and everyone loves you. Then she continued and said Jesus along with the remaining people and pets from the day before. She also added different items like her blankie, some of her favorite movies, etc. 

On Valentine's day these are the things we did:

Gave Bri'elle her Valentines - A card from mom/dad, the movie Lady and the Tramp, and heart shaped peeps

Bacon for Breakfast

Mommy got ready and Jalilah wanted to say hi to daddy, so I took a pic and sent it to him at work :)

Yum! Jay bought this for me a day before so I decided to get it out and make him a snack for when he got home

The chocolate cheddar cheese is in the middle!!!

Yes, that is In N Out

Grubbin'

This is exactly what I wanted, double cheddar cheese burger extra well done with fries a rootbeer and a choc shake

After eating in the car before heading into the movies

All these were taken on our phones, haha. I had my camera with me but it was so much easier at the time to snap a quick shot with my phone or Jay's phone. I need to get out of this habit. 

Jay worked and Bri'elle went to preschool so I got some good quality ME time until about 4:00 when Jay got home. We spent about a half hour talking and cleaning the house before we left to pick Bri'elle up from his parents. Once we picked Bri'elle up we brought her to my parents to spend the evening while Jay and I went on a date. We couldn't make up our minds where we wanted to eat so both of us said heck with it and decided on In N Out. I'm so happy we did. the food was extra good. After ordering it from the drive-thru we drove to the nearest movie theater which was only two minutes from In N Out and sat in the parking lot eating our dinner. We played R&B love songs while we ate and talked about our timeline of friendship to marriage (from highschool to now). It was so romantic!!! I loved every minute of it. I felt like just sitting in the car and making out for old time sake, haha but realized my belly would be really uncomfortable in Jay's stick shift Mustang coupe. Not fit for someone preggo for sure. Once we finished with dinner we went into the movie and watch Man on a Ledge. I highly recommend this movie! It was so good!!!! we were going to see a chick flick/romantic movie but I was in need of some action and have been watching to see the movie plus it was something we both wanted to watch. Better to please both of us :) After the movie we stopped at Mel's diner before picking up our little valentine. I ordered a hot chocolate and Jay got coffee. We sat there for a long time just gazing at each other, gushy I know! Right before we left a song came on from the jukebox and it was MY song literally. Not sure if any of you will know it, it's called Brandy by Looking Glass. It was perfect timing and couldn't have been picked on a better night. When we were leaving a group of girls between the age of 30's-40's about 3 of them. I noticed them looking at my belly then I heard one girl say awhh and when I looked at them they smiled with sincere admiration. I was completely glowing by this point. My night was definitely getting better and better. Next we headed home and picked up our little girl. 

And that was pretty much our Valentine's/Anniversary <3

 

Pretty & Pregnant: Your Face

February 2nd, 2012

At the appointment today we saw your FACE!!!!! Well half of it. You had one side covered with your arm. You like your arms up by your face. It was so amazing to see how clear it is. Everyone says you look like daddy. In the ultrasound, I have to admit you do. Now the curiousity begins with how much you look like him since you only exposed half of your face compared to what you will look like when you are born.

This appointment really went well. The doctor said everything is still looking good. Since I was just getting over a cold he prescribed me what he called, "some good cough medicine" to help me sleep because I'm only getting a couple of hours of sleep and have been feeling extremely exhausted. 

I go back in two weeks to see you again. After that we will go every week as the time is ticking down.

Baby weighs: 2lbs 12 oz - which is above average for the stage we're at. The doctor said either you'll be a bigger baby or the due date is off. Yikes, now your really playing a guessing game on when your going to come. 

Mommy's weight gain from last appt: 2lbs
Mommy's total weight gain:29-31lbs



 

My First Outting

 January 15th, 2012


Since I've been cooped up in the house majority of the time this pregnancy with the doctors approval I have been able to get out a little more. I'm still limited to the things I can do and the length of time I'm on my feet but at least I can get some fresh air. I have to say I have been able to do more the last few months than when I was first put on bedrest especially now that I know she is a healthy little baby and there aren't any worries about if she would need to be delivered she would be fine. Granted I've been extremely blessed! 


So Jay decided/surprised me with a date after church on this Sunday. On Sundays we have family dinner with my parents as something we started for the new year and since we've moved out. It was a tradition on my dad's side of the family when he was little so he wanted to start the same thing with us. Jay checked with my parents to watch Bri'elle in the afternoon then we would join them for dinner when we got back. Of course, my parent's said yes...so our date began. 


Jay took me to Bay Street in Emeryville. It is filled with tons of shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. Our first stop was Elephant Bar for lunch. I was craving a cheeseburger with all the fixings. Jay craved the same thing since I talked it up so we had the same lunch. I love when we happen to want the same thing. :) The burger was so yummy but I didn't finish it all since Jay ordered me coconut shrimp for an appetizer, another craving. 


After lunch we went to the movies to see Contraband. It was a pretty good movie! I love action movies and especially ones that have some pretty good actors, I won't mind watching a guy film if it makes him happy. 

Once the movie ended, Jay said he wanted to take me shopping. I was a little confused because I can't just GO shopping. For one, I'm not really suppose to be walking around. Two, I'm pregnant and didn't want to load up on maternity clothes. Three, well there is no three... How can I turn down shopping when the hubby wants to do something nice for me. Well, he leads me to Victoria Secret! Ha! he must have something up his sleeve. Which he did... I had a gift card that has been sitting in my drawer forever. I have no idea when I got it, maybe my birthday. Jay said he knew that I would probably let it sit there at least until I had the baby and knows how much I enjoy shopping...free shopping at that. I blushed because it made me feel really good he thought about me and how I've been feeling with being on bedrest. So... I let him go to town.... Nothing better than the hubby picking out your lingerie. 


After we went to one of our fave places for dessert, The Tea Cake Bake Shop at Bay Street. They have the best pink velvet cupcakes. We bought a box of assorted flavors for my family since they watched Bri'elle. We also saved ours to enjoy with them. 


It was a GREAT first outting out and about!!!! I'm so thankful the hubby did this for me.

 

Monday was a Funday

On our way out for the day

She knows exactly where we are

Yummy CHEESE pizza..I could've ate the whole thing to myself. lol

She kept saying she was Happy

Her favorite - SLIDES

Playing games with daddy

Movie Time!!!!

 Daddy surprised us when his alarm went off and said, "I don't think I'll go into work today". I was so shocked but didn't want to turn away an opportunity like this. He said his plans are to spend the day with his girls, all 3 of them. I had a smile on my face ear to ear. 


As Bri'elle slept we got up showered and got dressed. Spent a little bit of morning time together then woke Bri'elle up after Jay set out all the stuff he was going to have Bri'elle help him make breakfast. The two of them made breakfast for us then we all finished getting ready. 


When we went through Bri'elles room on Friday and Saturday Jay found a container of tokens from Chuckie Cheese, so that was our first stop. Bri'elle was so excited! It was so nice to be together and watch our little girl smile over the small things. She played for about an hour then daddy had another place to take us.


Next we when to the movies to see Beauty and the Beast. One of my all time favorite Disney movies and I think it's becoming a favorite of Bri'elles. When the movie started she yelled Beauty and Beast, then began to sing along as the musical portion started. Even Jay joined in on the singing. 


We had a blast!!! It was such a nice family fun day together. I will cherish these moments forever... Today Bri'elle woke up and said no daddy work today. Poor thing always thinks he can stay home whenever she gets time with him before.
 


 

Big Sister in Training: New year and so many New things

Happy New Year 2012 Bri'elle!!!

Already the new year has offered so many new things to your life.

One for starters  which is obvious, you will become a BIG sister. Mommy and daddy are so excited to be adding to our family. We both think you are ready for the responsibilities a sister will have and you will do a great job. 

For Christmas you received a doll set that came with a stroller, bouncer, playpen, and even your own little diaper bag. You love that set. All your dolls have become "baby sister" to you. You will walk around the house saying "baby sister" or sometimes you will tell me "baby sister" is sleeping or even hungry. It's so darn cute. You are already displaying how big of a helper you will be. 

Your vocabulary and sentences are growing. It seems like it was overnight that this started happening. We can actually really understand what your saying and it really makes sense. 

Lately your new phrases have been, "Be back in a minute, ok?". You will disappear for literally a minute or less come back in and say, "I'm back!". You have grown out of your "baby", "love you baby", "too" all meaning I love you and now it is, "i love you too" regardless if your the first or last one saying it, it always has a too at the end. We started a discipline routine with you where if you do something wrong you go to the "naughty corner" (mom got this off of super nanny). In the naughty corner we explain to you what you did wrong, tell you how long you have to sit there, and then walk away. You are to sit there the whole time, no giving in. If you move then your minutes start over. We do a minute for the amount of years you are. So right now it is 2 minutes. Once your minutes are up we come to you, repeat the reason why you were there in the first place and then you have to say sorry and give us a hug and kiss. Lately you have been watching when others do something wrong and will tell them to go to the naughty corner. It is actually the cutest little thing ever. You will also proceed to say, "no, no, no, sit in naughty corner. Two minutes. Say sorry." You even led daddy there yourself and made him sit there. Oh how I love this, we know you understand that when someone does something wrong they need a timeout. You have so much more little sentences but they're hard to capture or even remember if its not caught in the moment. I will be sure to update more little sayings... I tried listening to you all day yesterday and now sitting here typing my mind is blank. 


You have such an imagination.

When you take a bath I can hear you in there talking to all your toys and almost acting out a scene. It's so cute! You mention different names from shows or your dolls. You love to play with your little kitchen and the food. When we play with you, you have such an expression when you "eat" the pretend icecream. Sometimes you will even nod your head, close your eyes, and rub your tummy as you say, "yummy in tummy". At your other playtimes you love to pretend your something else, like a cat or dog. You do some pretty good impressions too! I just can't get enough of your imagination. The sky is the limit.

Our little daredevil! 

You can and will attempt to do anything physical, such as jumping or climbing. It's so cute to watch you try, try, and try again until you finally reached the top or jumped really high. Last night you climbed the couch and sat up on the top. You were so happy you were able to do it and then told me you were going night night up there, reminded me of a little cat. Since mommy is on bedrest and can't lift you into various things like your highchair, into the tub, to get on the potty, you've had to pretty much learn how to do all of those yourself. Yes, you can climb in and out of your high chair. I stand right there as you do just in case and I always put my hand out for you to grab but almost every case you tell me, "no no mommy no help me". For Christmas we got you a stool to help you get in the tub and on the potty. 

The love of my life, you are. Displaying love is one of your greatest goods. The way you smile and look into someones eyes, the way you give a hug and a kiss just melts me from the inside out. I just love everything about you!
  
When you give a hug, you say MMM and you squeeze very tight as if not to let go. Your kisses are the cutest when you pout them together and give a good little smooch, and sometimes you even say MMMuuuAAAhhh! Love you mom, is one of my favorites. You will repeatedly say it over and over until you have confirmation that I heard you. Lately you have been doing this little kitty act as I like to call it. When we will be sitting here and you want love you will come up to whoever it is you want to give love to and rub your head on there arm or shoulder, like a little kitty. Last night you did this to me and when I looked into your eyes all I saw was this innocent love of purity and perfection. I think my heart skipped a beat or two and I literally wanted to cry, pick you up and hold you to never let go. 

Bri'elle sweetie, I think you will have a great year ahead of you. This will be the year you learn and grow in so many ways from becoming a big sister, starting preschool, getting a BIG girl bed, and picking up on new words and attitudes. I know God will be by your side guiding you and watching you throughout your little journey. Mommy and daddy will be here for you no matter what, to pick you up when you fall, brush you off, and kiss your owie away. I love you darling!
 

A New Life

Congratulations to the Pate family on your new addition

Welcome Baby Boy!

Kaleb Troy Pate on 10/6/11

8.14 lbs & 21 ins

Blessings to the new family! My he bring you much joy and happiness. Enjoy every moment as they go by so fast. May God bless you and keep watch over Kaleb all the days of his life and keep him safe. You two are going to be such good parents. Kaleb is very lucky to have both of you as you are to have him.