Slowly but Shirley...: Our Life's Rollercoaster...

We can't believe it's been two months since our little miracle was born! First, let's start with our apologies for our delay in updating the blog. We've been a bit busy...and sleep deprived. Here's what we've been up to the past couple months.

At 7:30 a.m. on Monday, February 22, I woke up a bit confused. I immediately called our doula because either my bladder was leaking (which I've heard happens during pregnancy) or my water broke. She said to wait a few hours to see if it happened again. I called Jesse to let him know to stay near his phone. Within seconds of hanging up with Jesse, it happened again and I knew that my water broke! After Jesse came home, we ate breakfast and prepared for our stay at the hospital.

Last Day with the Belly

Although my water broke, I didn't seem to be having many contractions. Around 11 a.m., we checked into the maternity ward and started the waiting game. With the combination of walking and aromatherapy, contractions finally started around 1:30 p.m.

In preparing for childbirth, Jesse and I practiced HypnoBabies (http://www.hypnobabies.com/). Basically, HypnoBabies provides couples with techniques for using self-hypnosis to provide a drug-free and relaxed environment for natural childbirth. The video and pictures show how HypnoBabies worked for me. (You can tell a contraction is beginning when the green line near the bottom of the screen starts zig-zagging.)

During a Contraction

Under Self-Hypnosis

Jesse Reinforcing Self-Hypnosis with Additional Relaxation Techniques

After several hours of labor (which seemed quicker in HypnoBabies time), Lilyana (pronounced Lih-lee-ah-na) Hui (pronounced Hee) Shirley was born on February 22, 2010 at 11:02 p.m., 8 pounds 6 ounces, 20.5 inches.

Newborn

Weight Check

Cry Baby

All Bundled Up

Eskimo Kisses from Daddy

After an hour or so, Jesse gathered the family from the waiting room. (I had no idea they were even at the hospital!)

Uncle Casey, Halmoni Yong Hui, Gramma Libby, Auntie Amber, and Auntie Tricia

And thus began our sleepless nights...

Ready for First Ride Home

Love and Kisses from Mommy

Lilyana was proving that there's a lot you can't prepare for beforehand. From our troubles with breastfeeding to her experience with jaundice, we were riding full force on an emotional rollercoaster.

In less than 24 hours of coming home, we were readmitted to the hospital into the Pediatrics ward because Lilyana's jaundice levels increased. Spending the first week of Lilyana's life in the hospital was not how we envisioned the beginning of our family life.

In the Pediatrics Ward

Receiving Intensive Light Therapy

By the end of Lilyana's first week, we were so excited to finally spend time at home! And just to show off, Lilyana immediately started proving that she's a happy, healthy baby. At 2.5 weeks, she was already supporting her head, moving it from side to side, and discovering her hands. See the video at http://www.facebook.com/jovanashirley?ref=profile#!/video/video.php?v=741091769198&ref=mf.

Until next time, here are a few pics showing Lilyana's time at home during her first two months.