Update

Ok so I am officially the worst blogger ever. I have been quite busy with a baby who doesn't nap. But in this rare occurrence that she is napping I'm taking advantage and trying to finish up my PPA post. Maybe this update can suffice as our Christmas letter that I never got around to making.

Olivia is 8 months old now and if I never see another pediatric specialist it will be too soon. We started with a Cardiologist, then a Urologist, now a Physical Therapist, and an orthopedic specialist. She's had jaundice, a heart murmur, two colds, a UTI, a stomach virus, and viral bug in her short time here on earth. I'm glad she's building up her immune system but I'm tired of seeing Doctors!  In spite of her health issues she is one amazing little girl. We thank God every day that her heart murmur closed, and that she's growing so very well! Her laugh is infectious and her smile is heart melting. She loves to play, suck her thumb, and be held. I don't mind because I LOVE Livi snuggles. She enjoys playing with her friends and helping Mommy with crafts. She sleeps well through the night and doesn't throughout the day. Her favorite animal seems to be Bella.45\
We did start her on a few purees so I can't say we did BLW, but we only did  them for a couple weeks. For the most part she is eating small pieces of what we are eating and still nursing. She is happy and constantly smiling and I couldn't have asked for a more precious sweet girl. Her personality is becoming more apparent each day and she is rapidly physically advancing. She can now crawl, lift to stand, and even stand on her own for seconds at a time. We love her more than anything and look forward to watching her grow.
I've decided to go back to school slowly. I guess if we ever want to buy a home in safer area I need to make more money (who would have thought!?)  ;) but for now we're taking it slow and enjoying the extra time I'll have with Olivia. I may keep my foot in the door with nursing and keep on at Macer Medical/MediLean working here and there.
Josue is still Manager at Claim Jumper in Costa Mesa and is working on becoming a regional manager. Sometimes I hope that means a move for us, but Long Beach is starting to grow on me. Especially now that we're making some amazing friends at Parkcrest and in my Mommy group. He's an amazing Daddy, and a wonderful support for me.

We're still content in our little Long Beach home, but aspire to moving to the Bixby area so that Olivia and maybe her sibling(s) can go to Longfellow with her little friends Lucas, Cole, and Nora. Olivia is going to have an amazing first Christmas and fun New Years vacation in Florida with family. She is one lucky little girl, and we are very blessed parents.

We hope everyone has a very happy holiday season. And be blessed with peace & joy.

 

 

 

Olivia's 4 Months

Month: 4

Current Nicknames: Doodlebug, Lovebug, Liv, and Livi (most popular by others)

Current Likes: She enjoys her exersaucer, listening to books, going swimming, she also likes to "talk"

Current Dislikes: Having a fever :(

This month's milestones: She laughed! (best sound in the world!), she has really started grasping objects, she's found her hands!

Firsts: Laugh 7/22, Overnight stay with Grammi (8/8)

Olivia 3 Months

Ok so I'm way behind with my posts. I'm still not finished writing the second part of her birth story but I first wanted to start posting a monthly update on Olivia Nikelle.

Month: 3

Current Nicknames: Lovebug has kind of turned into Bug. Sometimes since her initials are ONE I call her one the bug

Current Likes: She LOVES her Jenny jump up and her activity play mat. She's a big sleeper these days, and loves smiling especially when she wakes up.

Current Dislikes: Doesn't seem to like teething toys or anything plush yet

This month's milestones: She has been consistently rolling from tummy to back and back to side.

Olivia's Birth Story

I feel very fortunate that I had a relatively"easy" labor and Olivia was born healthy and the most precious thing I have ever seen! The days following were not so easy. This will be a two part post. I will tell her birth story here and go into PPA in another post. I apologize in advance, I'm sure this will be long and wordy.

I was diagnosed with gestational hypertension and mild preeclampsia towards the end of my pregnancy. It continued to get worse so my Doctor thought it would be best to induce me at 38 weeks. We drove to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, CA to be there at 5am on Monday April 8th to start the induction. After getting all settled in we started the process of adding pitocin to my IV at about 7am. I was already 3cm so I would probably have gone into labor on my own pretty soon. The contractions were getting intense and I had the feeling my water broke. At about 11am I was at 6cm and the Dr. said that indeed my water had broken on it's own. A little later my nurse told me that the anesthesiologist would be going in to surgery so if I wanted the epidural before he went in I needed to get it now. I decided to go ahead and get it as I'm a big wimp I knew I would eventually need one. It ended up being good timing because just after I agreed my contractions got even worse. Labor was really progressing! I had some family and friends come to visit me but unfortunately my blood pressure went super high and my nurse kicked everyone out! Plus I soon started to feel very intense contractions again. I had to get two addtionional spinal flushes because my epidural stopped working for me twice! I tried to distress by talking to Josue or play games on my phone. I think we may have even watched an episode of Full House on the TV. My nurse gave me a cherry Popsicle and some ice chips, I even got a major dose of of BP medication to help bring it down. Finally just before pushing at began at 4pm my blood pressure came back down to a reasonable number, but of course still not great. I pushed and breathed and pushed and breathed for about a 1/2 hour and at 4:30pm Olivia was born! She was placed straight on my chest for a few minutes of snuggling then they whisked her to get cleaned up and her apgar score. It was beautiful. Josue ran over to her and I've never seen him so in awe. I cried just seeing what a good father he was already. He brought her back over to me and she nursed. Olivia Nikelle Esquivias was born on that day April 8th, 2013 at 4:30pm. She was 7lbs 1.1oz and 20.5inches long. I had never seen a more beautiful thing in my life, bringing life into this world was amazing! I did have a second degree tear that needed to be stitched up, but I only felt the pressure and tugging no pain.

Josue and I had decided that it would just be us in the delivery room. Though sometimes I think that it would have been nice to have my Mom in the room for support, I'm glad it was Josue there to hold my hand. He was a great support and really helped me through the pain and then the pushing. I know he was nervous before it all began but in the room he wasn't scared at all. He was a big part of the day and even cut her cord. It all went by so fast I'm happy he was there to help me remember that special day. Just don't remind me about the pain or the rhogam injection, ok?!  ;)

 Just before we had my Mom and sister come in to meet the newest member of our family we had to make sure we wanted to go with the name Olivia. We were pretty positive that would be her name but hadn't really disclosed that to many people as we were not 100%. Naming Olivia was tough for us. We went back and forth and back and forth. In January Josue was positive he wanted to go with Emily, then in February it was Sophia. We pretty much had Olivia as a front runner since back before she was even conceived but we couldn't 100% go with it. Josue was so wishy washy and I wasn't sure I wanted to go with such a popular name for her. Just around my birthday we decided to each write a list of our top five names separately and see what we came up with. Josue's list was Alexandra, Emily, Sophia, Olivia, and Allison. My list was Aria, Sutton, Alexandra, Olivia, and Alexandria. We decided that since the two that matched; Alexandra & Olivia those are the names we would bring to the hospital and decide when she was born. Even though we were both almost positive it would be Olivia. When she was born we both knew that Olivia was the right choice! Nikelle is a name that we chose to honor close childhood friends of mine that passed way too young. Her name totally fits her and her initials O.N.E are just perfect! Although I think she could totally be an Aria or Sutton too, just don't tell Josue ;)

My Mom and Sister just adore her and took their turns holding her. They were followed by Nina & Nonno, great friends, and more family. It was the most amazing day in my life. It felt perfect. Her apgar score was a 9 and she looked like my perfect little angel. Even her cry was precious. I couldn't have prayed for a better day. It all went so smoothly and I was blessed with the most amazing gift at the end of the day. Josue and I wanted this day to come for so long, it was even the perfect timing. But as they say, that was only the beginning. And not to discount my perfect day or perfect daughter the story gets a little gray from here on so I will make that a different post. Now if you got through that you get pictures, yay!!

 This was just after the nurse took her for Apgar/cleaning and we finally remembered to grab the camera!

 

 First family photo :)

 

 

Grammi & Livi

Olivia is here!!

Ok well she has been here for awhile now. I've been so busy I haven't had time to update, but I promise her birth story and first few month posts very soon. Olivia Nikelle Esquivias was born on April 8th, 2013 at 4:30pm. She was 7lbs 1oz and 20.5inches long. These are the announcements we sent out. (Well most of them have been sent, I'm a little behind. I'm distracted by spending every moment I can soaking up my little girl!)

37 Weeks, full term!!

Well it's been a few weeks, but I figured I should make a post for making it full term, yay!! Things have been a little nutty the last few weeks. I've had blood pressure issues which led to to hospital trips, fainting at work, and ultimately being put on bed rest until the end of my pregnancy. The Doctor is thinking about inducing baby girl a little early because my blood pressure just won't stabilize, but only time will tell.


How far along: 37 weeks

Fruit Size: Watermelon

Sleep: I've been needing naps in the middle of the day, and quite tired. But having some insomnia which I'm sure is due to anxiousness over baby girls arrival.

Best Moment this week: Getting the nursery together. It's almost ready, just needs bedding and a bay ;)

Miss Anything: Feeling comfortable. I'm not miserable but definetly uncomfortable.

Food Cravings/aversions: Not really, strangely haven't had too many cravings or aversions over this pregnancy.

Symptoms: Heartburn like crazy, movements, and contractions!

Signs of labor: 2cm dialated and contractions

Looking forward to: Meeting this little girl. I can't wait!!

 

Development:

At 37 weeks, your baby's body is developed enough to survive outside of the womb. Her lungs, now filled with amniotic fluid, are ready to take her first breaths of air. Her eyelids flutter open and shut preparing for her first view of you.

This baby is just about done growing inside you. That means it could be anytime now!

Tiffany inspired Baby Shower

This past weekend my Mother & Sister (along with the help of others) hosted a beautiful baby shower for me and our Jellybean. It was lovely! The decor, the food, the company it was amazing! I loved every minute of it. Baby girl was very blessed with many of things she will need to get her life started off right! Here are some photos so we can one day reminisce on this wonderful occasion Jellybean. I can't wait to share you with the world.

29 Weeks!

Well little one I've had a hard time keeping up with our online journal. Work has been insanely busy and I only foresee it getting worse until we hire a new nurse. I'm trying my hardest to keep my stress level down and stay healthy for you.

How far along: 29 weeks

Fruit Size: Cabbage

Sleep: It's been easy to fall asleep but I'm having my own 3am wakeful. I think I just have too much on my mind, but I'm trying hard to get a good nights sleep.

Best Moment this week: Unfortunately this has been a pretty awful week. I love the weekends when I get to spend a little time day dreaming of you and planning your nursery. I also got an invite in the mail for our shower. I'm so excited to celebrate you!!

Miss Anything: I'm dreaming of a Vegas trip, but will hold out another year or so.

Food Cravings/aversions: Nothing too crazy.

Symptoms: Heartburn like crazy, movements, insomnia, and back to getting sick. Daddy has been a real gem in helping to get me HB meds and cleaning up my messes. I love that guy!

Signs of labor: Not yet thankfully, but still having braxton hicks a few times per day.

Looking forward to: Picking up your nursery furniture and starting to put it together. 

Development:

Your baby is filling out this week. She's adding fat to insulate her body for the day she leaves her cozy home. You can probably distinguish between feet and hands, head and bottom when your baby-to-be moves inside you. She takes practice breaths but won't breathe air until delivery.
Your baby's growth has begun to slow down now, but she will still gain approximately four pounds between now and birth. If she were born now, she would be able to breathe, but might tire easily and need assistance. Her little eyes are sensitive to light.

27 Weeks!

How far along? 27 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Up 6lbs

 

Baby's Fruit Size: Rutabaga  (Baby is 2.2lbs)

Sleep: Sleeping lots. Getting it all in now ;)

 

Best moment this week: Spending time with Daddy during his time off, painting your new room, and dwindling down your possible name.

Miss Anything? Cold medicine, Daddy got me sick again and oh how I wish for some Nyquil or a hot bath.

Movement: Lots of pops and kicks

Food cravings/aversions: I was craving a PB&J all week. Finally ate one today.

 

Symptoms: Heartburn, braxton hicks, and some sciatic pain. I also threw up again a few times, but hopefully thats a fluke.

Signs of Labor: Not really though I have been having a few Braxton Hicks

Looking forward to: Finishing your nursery and putting together your furniture.

 

 

Development:

 

Your baby's lungs and brain are beginning to mature. Although he'd have a good chance of survival if he were born now, he could use a few more weeks of growing. Added layers of fat are continuing to form. These layers will help your baby regulate his temperature once outside the womb and help keep him warm.

Remember to count your fetal movements. Every fetus has its most active times (and often it's late at night when you are trying to catch a few zzzzs!). During his active periods, your baby should move 10 times an hour. Choose an hour, and mark each movement on a piece of paper. If your baby hasn't moved 10 times, drink some juice and count again for another hour. You should call your doctor if the baby hasn't moved at least ten times during any two-hour stretch.

This is the color we painted your room, with a white beadboard on the bottom.

 

25 Weeks!

How far along? 25 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Up 6lbs

Baby's Fruit Size: Cauliflower

Sleep: Getting good sleep, but still feel pretty tired

Best moment this week: Getting sometime this weekend to just relax and think about your nursery

Miss Anything? Not right now.

Movement: Yes, not a ton but pretty regular movement, which is exciting!

Food cravings/aversions: Nothing too notable

Symptoms: Kicks! Heartburn, and fatigue.

Signs of Labor: Not really though I have been having a few Braxton Hicks

Looking forward to: Well not exactly looking forward to, but it will be good to find out soon if we pass the GD test or not.

Development:

Your baby-to-be's lungs are developing rapidly, although she'd probably need a little help breathing if she were born at this point. Her respiratory system continues to develop, her nostrils are open, and she can breathe—but she won't take her first breath of air until delivery day. By your 25th week of pregnancy, her reproductive organs are formed (in boys, the testes have descended). Her skin is translucent and wrinkled, and she can hear your stomach when it gurgles and your voice when you sing. Your baby is becoming more aware of how she can move—she's wiggling her fingers and toes!

24 Weeks!

How far along? 24 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Up 5lbs

Baby's Fruit Size: Cantaloupe

Sleep: Sleeping too much! I feel tired if I can't sleep in, oh well better get my sleep in now while I can

Best moment this week: Celebrating the New Year. 2013 is your year baby girl, and we can't wait to meet you!

Miss Anything? Not right now.

Movement: Yes, not a ton but pretty regular movement, which is exciting!

Food cravings/aversions: Trying to get back on track with my eating. Lots of salads and trying to eat more protein.

Symptoms: Kicks! Heartburn, and fatigue.

Signs of Labor: Not really though I have been having a few Braxton Hicks

Looking forward to: seeing you again on the U/S soon!

Development:
In your 24th week of pregnancy, your baby is filling out. Part of your weight gain goes straight to helping him gain weight, too. Since he's still on the scrawny side, his skin wrinkles on his body, but he looks like a miniature version of what you'll see on delivery day. His face has formed, ears are in place, and eyes are complete (although his lids are still closed). He has eyelashes, fingernails, and may be growing hair. Rapid eye movements (REM) are beginning, too.

23 Weeks!

23 weeks pregnant!

Baby this is the best week ever! Not only is it Christmas week, but you are becoming viable. I know that sounds negative and I'm sorry for worrying but this week has been what I've been waiting for! If something were to happen modern medicine could help save you, and that means the world to me. I love you so much and have come so attached to you I just couldn't bear to be without you.

How far along? 23 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Up 5lbs

Baby's Fruit Size: Grapefruit

Sleep: Sleeping too much! I feel tired if I can't sleep in, oh well better get my sleep in now while I can

Best moment this week: Daddy getting to feel you kick. He was happy to finally feel you move. I think it's starting to feel even more real for us.

Miss Anything? Not right now.

Movement: Yes, not a ton but pretty regular movement, which is exciting!

Food cravings/aversions: Celery & Cucumbers have been my go to snack. I also am letting myself eat too many sweets, must be the season!

Symptoms: Kicks! Heartburn, and fatigue.

Signs of Labor: Thankfully none 

Looking forward to: Christmas, and celebrating with family!

Development:

At 23 weeks, baby's getting bigger -- she's about 10.5 to 11.8 inches long and weighs 12.7 to 20.8 ounces. Plus, she's getting cuter! Ears start to develop and her face and eyes are forming.

22 Weeks!

I'm sorry I skipped week 21, it was a busy week. But baby girl I'm so happy to be this much further along. Every week that goes by is one week closer I am to meeting you.

How far along? 22 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Um I'm up 4lbs! How the heck did that happen?! I think you like Christmas cookies :)

Baby's Fruit Size: Spaghetti Squash

Sleep: Waking up most nights a few times either because of weird dreams or needing to use the potty but nothing too disrupting.

Best moment this week: Feeling you move, seriously I don't think I've ever smiled so large!

Miss Anything? Nyquil, I had an awful cold and could have really used the stuff.

Movement: Yes!! Some fishy type feeling and not a lot but on Dec 14th I definitely felt some kicks! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!

Food cravings/aversions: ChikFil-A breakfast. I'm glad I can only go once a week because they are closed on Sundays otherwise I would have gained twice what I did. I also really like cucumbers still.

Symptoms: Kicks! Heartburn, and fatigue.

Signs of Labor: Thankfully none 

Looking forward to: Finishing my Christmas shopping, and seeing you on the U/S again.

Your baby's brain is growing daily. Her senses are also starting develop. She can hear the sound of your heart along with your breathing. As she wiggles her fingers, she may touch her face or even suck her thumb. Her lungs are becoming more mature, and she even goes through the motions of breathing. She can also swallow, although she won't have her first real meal until delivery day.

20 weeks!

We're half baked!! I can't believe in 20 or so short weeks I get to meet you!

How far along? 20 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Back to starting weight

Baby's Fruit Size: Banana

Sleep: Lots of strange dreams and waking up but no problems falling asleep.

Best moment this week: Decorating the house for Christmas. We aren't doing a ton since we have so much going on but enough to make it feel like Christmas. I'm sure next year we will go all out for your first Christmas! 

Miss Anything? Not so much.

Movement: Not yet. Dr says I have an anterior placenta so it may be a week or so still.

Food cravings/aversions: LOVE cucumbers, yum! Also liking simple carbs, but trying to stay healthy for you sweet one.

Symptoms: Doing pretty well this week. Not too many symptoms.

Mood: Good, I'm so thrilled to be half way through, I guess I never really thought we'd get this far. But baby you're real! This is really happening, and I couldn't be happier.

Looking forward to: Feeling movement! And deciding on a name. This has been so tough. We have a lot of names we really like for you Jellybean, but nothing that seems perfect enough for you yet.

By week 20, your baby-to-be is gearing up for the next phase in his development—filling out. His organs are getting into their proper places. His kidneys are now in position with their familiar bean shape. His testes (or ovaries for girls) have reached their position. His brain continues to form and grow. His teeth are beginning to appear, and he can swallow. If you haven't been able to feel him move, chances are you'll be feeling him move more and more over the coming weeks.

19 weeks!

How far along? 19 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Loss of 2lbs

Baby's Fruit Size: Mango
Sleep: Sleeping a lot but waking up to use the restroom 

Best moment this week: Spending Thanksgiving with family, of course we're grateful for you!
Miss Anything? Not so much.

Movement: Not yet. Dr says I have an anterior placenta so it may be a week or so still.

Food cravings/aversions: Asparagus makes me gag. Which is weird since it used to be a favorite of mine.
Symptoms: REALLY bad hip/butt/back pain especially when I sit! Still some heartburn and fatigue.
Mood: Well I want to say great, but this pain has put me in a sour mood. I was sad to miss going to San Jose, but I'm still of course really proud to be growing you!  

Looking forward to: Feeling movement!

In your 19th week of pregnancy, your unborn baby's organs continue to grow. His body is covered with lanugo—soft hairs and a sticky protective coating that keeps his skin from drying out in the amniotic fluid. Your baby is moving frequently, and by now you should be able to feel those movements. Your physician can hear your baby-to-be's heartbeat with a stethoscope placed on your abdomen.

Baby is covered in vernix, a white, cheesy "cream" that protects her skin from the long bath in amniotic fluid. Preemies are covered in vernix at birth—"posties" have almost none.

Me at 19 weeks!

Nursery Inspiration

Well it's time to start thinking about how we will decorate our second bedroom for our newest little addition. It took us a while to agree. I wanted pink and Josue wanted purple, then I wanted modern and he wanted a character. So we compromised we are going with a modern nursery in purple. (well lavender/lilac, and white. Possibly adding in grey.) We've chosen a furniture collection from Baby Appleseed. It's sturdy, well built, and well reviewed. It's a little bit pricier than the stuff you could find at Target/BRU but we figure it's worth the investment. One nice thing is it converts to a toddler and then full sized bed so hopefully we will get a lot of use out of it. I will try to update the blog as we start making this into a reality. I think we are going to start painting in January and then will work slowly from there. I'm excited and can't wait to get started!!

18 weeks!

Well baby girl we've made it 18 weeks! Daddy and I love consuming our time with making decisions about you. What will your name be? What will your nursery be like? Where will we go to church? So many decisions about you sweet little jelly bean. I love it, I love when my mind wanders to thinking all about you.

How far along? 18 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Loss of 4lbs (back down another 2lbs this week, not sure why)

Baby's Fruit Size: Sweet Potato

Sleep: Back to sleeping a lot, seems the fatigue is back!

Best moment this week: Thanksgiving dinner with our small group. You're Daddy even came and of course everyone loved him! I had a blast and the food was yummy too!
Also yesterday your cousin Keith made an amazing game winning play against BYU. We are huge SJSU (well really Keith Smith) fans in this house. So get ready for lots of cheering next fall!

Miss Anything? Not so much.

Movement: Not yet. I guess I have too much fluff ;)

Food cravings/aversions: I still really like apples. And I'm having trouble avoiding sweets. But I did add a supplement of greens since you seem to really not like green vegetables. :(

Symptoms: Heart burn, fatigue, and lots of stomach streches and pain.  

Mood: Well other than an unrelated not good Friday I've been really happy this week. I love sharing the news that we are expecting you.  

Looking forward to: I know it's 5 weeks away but I cannot wait until 23 weeks. I think that V day will really help ease my mind. Knowing that even if your born, modern medicine can help you live from that point on.

At week 18, your baby-to-be's senses are maturing. She's able to hear sounds within her own comfortable environment, such as the sound of your heart beating, as well as external sounds, such as your voice. She may become more active for certain sounds, and you'll feel her movements. At this point in her development she's still small enough that she has plenty of room to wiggle.

17 Weeks!

How far along? 17 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Loss of 2lbs (gained back 2 of the 4 lost)

Baby's Fruit Size: Onion

Sleep: Lots of tossing and turning, I'm anxious!!

Best moment this week: Went to Tea for Mom's birthday, so much fun!! Also telling everyone that you are precious little girl. Everyone is so excited!

Miss Anything? Not so much.

Movement: I think I'm feeling little flutter, but I can't quite make it out yet.

Food cravings/aversions: Not so much this week.

Symptoms: Heart burn, and lots of stomach streches and pain.  

Mood: I'm over all happy and excited! Still have feelings of anxiety. I really hope you like me Jelly Bean. I'm going to try really hard to be a good Mommy!

Looking forward to: Buying baby girl clothes and accessories, so much fun!!

17 Week Development
Around this time your baby's ears pop from his head and Baby-to-be can now sense sounds. After all, he has plenty to listen to in utero! He's accustomed to the strong beating of your heart, blood rushing through your veins, and your stomach grumbling. He can also discern sounds outside the uterus, like your voice and music. Although, according to the Mayo Clinic, whether he can distinguish the sound of your voice versus other sounds is not yet clear.
On average, most moms are feeling fetal movement by week 17. Kick, little one, kick!
This week your little one weighs in at around 5 ounces and stretches to just over 5 inches (crown to rump). He is about the size of a red onion.