Thursday, March 31, 2011

Labor 3.23.2011



Research states that only 4% of babies are born on their due date and so we figured that it would  not happen on 3/23/2011.  The night of 3/22 until early morning of 3/23, I started having some mild contractions that kept me awake, but I didn't think it would progress to active labor by that end of the day. Mohamed initially left for work that day but after much debating on whether he should go or not he wisely returned home to be with me in case labor progressed...and we were right! That whole day we timed the contractions following the famous 511 rule and sure enough the contractions became longer, stronger and not far apart from each other. I was working that day; writing emails and making phone calls and taking breaks to deal with the pain of contractions every six minutes. At about 4:15PM we decided to go to the hospital and active labor began at about 6:00PM. Thankfully we filled out all the administrative paperwork beforehand so that I can concentrate on labor and getting the baby out. I have to thank Mohamed for being next to me all the way through because I don't know what I could have done without him. At 9:07PM, and after pushing through all the pain, baby Laila was born!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Counting down....

Preparations are in full swing for the arrival of baby Ghali-who's due date has steadily creept up on us. We have been spending the last few weekends here getting the nursery (formerly known as the office) ready, relaxing, and attempting to get some sleep in while we can. Not so easy to do with what looks to be a watermelon in my stomach!
The result- the crib is finally assembled, our old bedroom dresser repainted with new knobs, and even some artwork and a handmade mobile and wall decal up. I'm even 2/3 of the way done with my first official quilt. Still a few artsy projects to complete if baby permits, but  the room is basically ready for his/her arrival.  See some photos of the room in progress below!




 As much as I am tired of feeling huge, In some ways it would be nice to still have another week before baby arrives, despite the fact that breathing and sleeping are tough and bending over to tie shoes impossible...Mohamed is a bit shocked by the current size of my stomach and getting used to the the idea that there is really a baby in there that could be making his/her appearance in the outside world at any time. He was a good sport about the labor and delivery class and all of the lovely videos in it, now if I could only get him to read some baby books.  As for me, I am keeping busy trying to finish up things at work, doing taxes, cleaning the house and otherwise obsesivly getting things in order as only a pregnat woman can do... Countdown 1 weeks to go?!


Mina's new favorite spot to nap - the changing table


Friday, March 11, 2011

Entry into the land of blogging...

So here we go, my first attempt at blogging. Have patience as I learn the ropes!


I have been meaning to create a blog and post some photos of my expanding waistline for quite some time... so now for your viewing pleasure some early pics of Baby Ghali (at the 20 week ultrasound)