March 2010

March was kind of a big blur for me. We were getting used to being new parents and adjusting to our new life. Just like everyone said - your life will change, and it will be hard - they were all right. Our life is completely different now (in a good way). We have this adorable, cute, happy baby to spend and devote ALL our time to :) My mind and actions all revolve around this 10lb being. And because I'm with her ALL the time, she's all I talk about. I still struggled with feeding through the month of March. We even decided to just do formula - and after making the switch Natalie didn't respond well, and vomitted a few times. I felt terrible! How could I do this to my baby! and immediately went back to just pumping and bottle feeding. What a challenge. I think any woman who pumps and bottle feeds for more than 3 weeks is amazing. That's the only amount of time I could handle it. I ended the month going back to the shield after all that. However, that is not the end of the feeding dramas - April brought on changes...

Here's Natalie working with Grandaddy :)
Her first official smile... Natalie was a late smiler. Everyone at 4-6 weeks kept saying, so is she smiling? and she wasn't yet. It really wasn't until 8 weeks that we saw her true smile. It was killing me. But, once we saw it, it was amazing! The best smile I've ever seen! She's just adorable.

Our cute Easter basket this year
(she's going to hate us for this one day :) hee hee

At the end of March, Natalie was blessed at church. She wore this beautiful white dress, and was visited by many family and friends. It was great showing her off at church as well. My parents come for the blessing, and my good friends Sigrid and Leslie came for the event as well.

Since day one, Natalie has LOVED to get her diaper changed AND has loved her bath time. She has never cried during either one. Many times, when she is upset, we can just give her a bath, and she just sits there calmly. Fortunately for me, bathing Natalie has been Logan's "job". He loves that time with her, and she obviously loves that time with him. Since I'm responsible for her feeding, he is responsible for her bath time. I love it! It gives me MY time. Logan has been a wonderful dad. When he's home, he takes Natalie, plays with her, changes her diapers, and puts her to bed/naps.

and GREAT news - March 21st, Logan started his new job. He is working for BI, which is a company that is contracted with Homeland Security. It is here in San Francisco, and is going to give him GREAT experience and opportunities. We are so excited.

Here is Natalie's cousin Lucas who was born at the end of March to Shad & Jen.

And, here's a picture of Natalie and her 2nd cousin Addison who was born 2 weeks after Natalie.

more pictures from February

Besides the birth, and the challenges of nursing,
February is a big blur for me. Although.. recovery from the c-section WAS really a breeze. I was never in pain.. just really sore. I remember the day after, I was not enjoying it, and told Logan NO MORE... but after that, it was no big deal. I never had to take pain medication, so that was nice.
But, anyway,here's a bunch of pictures that we took
of our dear precious Natalie.


A proud and loving daddy.A trip to the new playground

TUMMY TIME!

OK, so I was feeding Natalie one night, and eating a cookie, and when she was done eating, I noticed this melted chocolate on her cheek, so Logan had fun taking this picture of her, as if she had eaten the cookie... SO CUTE!

She was sleeping in this position.

It was so nice to have Grandaddy and Abuelita here to visit and meet Natalie.

Our Birth Story

OK, OK, I know it's been awhile, but we've been a little busy... every Sunday, I say I'm going to update our blog, but sleep tends to win the race... but here I am. Logan and Natalie are both asleep, and as much as a nap sounds REAL good, I'm going to get this done. I love to keep everyone updated, but this is also a way for me to journal, so I need to just do it. So... I start with our birth story.

Logan and I took a New Parents and Childbirthing class, and we really enjoyed it. We learned so much stuff (which at the time was very overwhelming but good to know). We also enjoyed learning the different calming and helpful techniques for the physical strains of giving birth. We had it down, and figured out what things would most likely help me. We loved the birthing ball and I was SO looking forward to using the squatting bar. We decided that an epidural was not out of the question, but we would do as much as we could before going there. I was actually really excited for this "challenge"... and for being able to work closely with Logan on bringing this little one into the world...

However, things didn't turn out the way I had wanted or hoped. Our baby girl decided that she didn't want to flip, and continued to stay breech/head up. My Dr said if she doesn't flip by 39 weeks, then we would have a c-section. I was very disappointed. Besides NOT wanting surgery and the recovery after, I really wanted to TRY to give birth - weird huh? So, we hoped and prayed that she would still flip, but expected a c-section, just to be prepared.

So, let me start at January 8th. I was at work (school) and had decided that I would continue to work a little longer. I had the option to start my maternity leave the next week, but actually thought - what am I going to do at home for 4 weeks? So, I decided to just work a little longer. Well, that day, I was supervising at recess, and a student ran into me and elbowed my stomach. Her elbow actually hit the area where the baby's head was. The baby immediately reacted, and continued to move a lot for the next hour, and then calmed down. I, of course, panicked, and worried about the baby, but already had a dr's appt that afternoon for my 36 week checkup, so I was anxious to get there, and get some reassurance that all was well. I met with my midwife that day, and she assured me that the baby is very protected with all the fluid surrounding it. We heard a good heartbeat, so that was good, but she put me on maternity leave right away. She said - we didn't need to run into any other problems like that, and since my blood pressure had gone up a bit, it wouldn't hurt. She also sent me to have a non-stress test on the baby, where they track the baby's heartbeat for about 20 minutes to make sure the baby isn't stressed. Well, after an HOUR of tracking the baby, my mid-wife saw some readings she didn't want to risk, so she sent me to the hospital to be monitored further. I, of course, got really scared.

I called Logan right away, and said meet me at the hospital.. and be prepared, this baby could come today! WHOA.... I then called my boss, and said - today was my last day. Fortunately, the person who was replacing me, was already available, so no worries there. Anywhoo... I drove myself to the hospital, and fortunately my Ob/Gyn was on call at the hospital and there already. She reassured me that the baby is well protected, but what they worry about is the placenta being detached, so, I got to not only be monitored for 6 more hours, but also have an ultra sound and some blood tests done to make sure the placenta was ok. Fortunately, we were able to head home at 10:30 that night, with the knowledge that both baby and I were just fine.

So, the next day (Friday), I started my maternity leave. This was the best part of my pregnancy :)... I thoroughly enjoyed each day I was home doing "nothing". I mean, I finished preparing the baby's room and clothes. Did tons of other organizing around the house. But, most importantly, I rested... I slept in and took naps. It was great, and I highly recommend all pregnant women to take advantage of that time.

At 37 weeks, the baby hadn't flipped yet, so we scheduled a c-section for Friday, Feb. 5th. On the next Monday, at 38 weeks and 5 days I had another appointment. Up to that point, my blood pressure had been getting higher and higher, but at this appointment, it was higher than what they like to see... So, my Dr put me on bed rest, and I was to return in 2 days. So, I stayed in bed, and did all I could to relax and keep that blood pressure down. I returned on Wednesday, and luckily my blood pressure had dropped, but they did another non-stress test to make sure the baby was ok too. This test didn't come out so well. The baby wasn't as active as they like to see, so again, I was sent to the hospital... and again, my OB/Gyn was on call at the hospital that day.

I called Logan, and told him I was heading to the hospital, but not to come, since I would probably be sent home again. When I showed up (2 days before my scheduled c-section)... my Dr said it was time for this baby to come out. My blood pressure was up again (where I was then diagnosed with preeclampsia). She said there was no reason to keep her in, I was already there, and plus, apparently I was having contractions. So, I panicked, and cried a little (at which time my blood pressure sky rocketed!). Of course, mostly because I was worried about the baby, but also, because I was just not mentally prepared for her to come THAT day... Friday was the day. So, I called Logan, and said, IT'S TIME!!!

Logan arrived to the hospital at 3:30pm, changed into the scrubs, and at 4pm I was taken into surgery. This was the strangest, most unusual but amazing moment. I WALKED into the surgery room, and 45 minutes later, I was wheeled out and had a baby. so weird!!! But, anyway, it was an amazing 45 minutes. Logan and I sat there behind the screen, a few moments later, we heard a cry, and then the Dr showed us our dear little girl. She was just adorable of course. Cute and puffy! She had these thin squinted (Vick) eyes, and very round puffy cheeks, and these tiny, adorable, perfectly shaped lips. Logan, with camera in hand, was very excited and a proud father, and as I lay there getting put back together, I cried and tried to get glimpses of my precious daughter. Finally, Logan brought her to me, and I gave her kisses. We talked to her and just marveled at her, until the nurse needed her back. WOW! I was a mom, and so thankful that she arrived healthy. She cried as soon as she arrived, but then was very quiet. Very alert, and taking it all in.
I was taken to recovery, and spent an hour or two with Logan and our baby girl, just amazed at what had just taken place.

However, the complications didn't end there. My blood pressure continued to stay pretty high. So, I was put on strict observation, and was encouraged to have very little visitors, and get lots of rest/sleep (RIGHT...). The first night, I was kept in labor/delivery, for observation, but then my blood pressure dropped a little, and I was sent to the postpartum wing. My blood pressure still wasn't as low as they liked, but it was dropping. The nurses stressed about it every time they checked, which was annoying. In addition, Natalie lost too much weight in the hospital, and we had to supplement with formula for a couple of days.... but as you see in later pictures, she has recovered from that.

The nurses continued to stress me out about my blood pressure, and wanted to keep me at the hospital longer... but after being there 3 days, I was ready to go home, and knew that my blood pressure would probably drop once I was home. I was excited to get our baby home, but a little hesitant about our first night without the nurses. Fortunately, our first night was not nearly as bad as I expected, and we made it through the night. She ate every 3 hours, to the minute! so It was easy to know what most of her cries were for.


However, feeding her was not nearly a hard as I thought it would be, it was even HARDER. She continued to lose weight, which we found out 2 days later at an appt., and had jaundice... the worries you feel as a new mom! My job now, was to get this baby FED.

Our jaundiced baby:

No one prepares you for the difficulties of breastfeeding... For 8 weeks we went through several lactation consultants, pumping, formula, shields, and everything else you can imagine. Finally, at 8 weeks I finally felt more comfortable with feeding, and even with the use of a shield, finally have gotten the hang of things.

Natalie Marie Przybyla

I don't have the time for the whole story right now -

but I wanted to post some pictures of our adorable baby girl. Natalie Marie Przybyla was born on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 4:47pm 7 lbs 10 oz18 1/2" We love her so much and can't get enough of her cuteness!!! we'll post more later.

Breech baby...

Well, our little bundle of joy has decided that she prefers staying head up. Which, honestly - I don't blame her. I mean, when a baby flips, doesn't the blood rush to their head? Anyway, she is still breech, and doesn't seem to be budging. She has 1 week left, and if she doesn't flip by Friday, Feb 5th, we will have a c-section at 2pm that day. I have such a combination of feelings. Not that labor pains sound exciting to me, but we took the class, and practiced, and were feeling really confident about the whole labor idea. When we told our childbirth instructor, she was a bit disappointed, since she saw how enthusiastic we were about using the squatting bar and birthing ball. I mean, all things are possible, and she could very well flip this next week - but it seems very unlikely... we don't want to force her, in case something else is going on in there that we don't know about. (flipping her was an option 2 weeks ago... but there were too many factors and risks that would put her in even more danger). It's so weird to have a definite date of when this little one is coming - instead of waiting to go into labor. My pregnancy has been very easy, so I guess the rough part will just be recovery from the c-section. I'm at 38 weeks, and I don't feel huge. I don't have those feelings, of GET HER OUT... I've had SOME sleepless nights, but nothing terrible. And when I can nap during the day, it's ok. I feel she is safe inside, so let's just keep her there till she's ready. It's been great staying at home these past 3 weeks. I think a big part was getting used to just staying home. I've been in the work field for the last 13 years... so adjusting to staying home was a big help. Everything is ready now, and I am finally getting there mentally as well. We're excited to meet and hold our little girl. And, at the same time, anxious for all the unknowns... but that comes with any new adventure. We'll try to update our blog as soon as we get home from the hospital...

Welcome to January 2010

Well, I'm posting this on January 14th, and already it's been a pretty busy month.

All involving our sweet little one who is still on her way.

When I went in for my 33week appointment in December, my blood pressure was a little higher than normal. Not too high, but higher than what it had been through my pregnancy (always VERY normal). In addition, my feet had swelled up... but with 2 weeks off for the Christmas break immediately after, my feet had most of the break, and didn't swell up once.

On January 8th, (after returning back to work) I went in for my 35week appointment, and my blood pressure was even higher, and my feet had swelled up again. In addition, that same day I had accidentally gotten elbowed in the abdomen by a student who was playing at recess. With both of these incidents, my midwife ORDERED me to be done with work THAT DAY. According to disability, I was eligible to start on the 13th, but I had decided to work until Jan 22nd, just to be busy. So, that was quite a shock to find out that THAT day was my last day, and I hadn't even said goodbye to the students or other teachers!

In addition, she decided to give me a NonStressTest just to make sure the baby was ok. During the test, she noticed an interesting measurement, and then sent me to the HOSPITAL to get monitored further. This, of course, scared me. I called Logan immediately and said, Meet me at the hospital. He rushed over, and we spent the next 6 hours at the hospital getting the baby monitored and talking. FORTUNATELY, all is well. The baby's heart rate was FINE, and all the blood tests and ultra sound came out normal, so there was no worry. The Dr wouldn't normally be worried about getting elbowed, but since our baby is STILL BREECH... they just wanted to make sure.
We have been taking parenting/childbirth classes which has been preparing us for the arrival of this little one. However, after a trip to the hospital, we had a WAKE UP CALL, and we realized we are NOT ready for this baby to come. So, last weekend, we packed our hospital bags, put the car seat bases in the cars, and are really concentrating this week on having everything absolutely ready.

Now we just have to work on the mental preparation for her to come. Mostly me. People ask me if I'm ready for her to come, or sick of being pregnant - and my answer is NO. I feel like this pregnancy has gone by TOO FAST, and without any major sickness or complications, it really hasn't been that bad. Just some uncomforts due to compressed nerves. But, I have really enjoyed being pregnant - and at this point, don't want it to end. (I've been told this will change at week 38 - we'll see). In addition, first time motherhood fears are present. Of course, I can't wait to meet her, and hold her, BUT it's a lot of responsibility, and a HUGE change to our life. So, I'm just trying to enjoy the quiet and flexibility we have now, before that completely changes :) I'm sure once she comes, I'll be just fine. It's just the unknown of labor, breastfeeding, late nights, crying, etc. I'm expecting a very cranky colicky baby, and a terrible delivery. Then, hopefully it won't be as bad as I expect :) But, we'll see...

Now that I've been home - it's been A LOT easier to mentally prepare. I'm getting plenty of sleep and rest. And, as I organize and prepare for the baby's arrival - it really helps me get ready. In addition, it's nice to get used to staying at home, because that in itself is just an adjustment. I'm grateful for this time off before the baby comes.

New Year weekend, I had quite a growth spurt. I had gained about 4 lbs in 2 weeks, and my tummy had grown 5 centimeters!!! At 35 weeks, it was 38cm! I woke up Sunday morning - and Logan and I both were in shock at the size of my tummy. Weirdly though - at my 36 week appt I had lost 2 lbs and my measurement was 36cm. So, either someone measured wrong, or my 35week appt I was more swollen. Who knows :)

As of now - I have an appointment on Monday - if the baby is still breech - then my Dr will try to turn her next week sometime. If that doesn't work, then we will schedule a c-section for week 39, unless she flips on her own.. which I am trying to get her to do with some yoga moves and encouragement :)

Today is officially the beginning of my 9th month!!!
Can you believe it? I can't.
Here are some pictures:

Here we are enjoying a day at the temple. Hoping to squeeze as many of these in as possible.

December 2009

December was a pretty low key month.

With no travel plans, we stayed close to home.
Which was nice... it was peaceful and relaxing.

I was surprised at work one day, when my students (mostly the parents), threw me a surprise baby shower.
It was really cute to see them try to keep their secrets as we got closer to the time, and they surprised me with some very useful giftcards for the baby.
Here's a picture of the cake they brought for the party.


Logan took a class to get his firearms permit - hopefully this will help in the job search - and it never hurts to add more credentials and education on your resume.
He was gone all day on a Saturday, so I headed up to Sacramento, and spent a few hours with Amanda, Scott, Simon, and my Grandma Lola and her husband Clair.

We had some Christmas celebrations with Logan's family, since they all live nearby.
We had a cupcake decorating contest with his dad...
which Felecia won!!!
but unfortunately, we have no pictures of.
We also went with him to the annual Creche exhibit in Palo Alto.
Here is a card that Logan's grandmother made of a nativity using dried flower petals.
She's very creative and artistic.

We also went to Cripps Court and enjoyed the Christmas lights with Logan's mom,
and brother Peter's family.


Christmas morning we woke up, and had our own Christmas together.
Our Christmas gift to each other this year was the Wii...
(thank you gift cards that we had saved up - from students/family/etc)
so it didn't take long to open that one.
Then we skyped my parents and opened their gifts.
Afterwards, we went to Logan's brother's house,
(Peter/Heather, and their children Katie and Hailey)
and had a very yummy breakfast.
Logan's mom was there as well.
We had a good time with the girls and
Logan REALLY enjoyed playing their PS3RockBand2.














For New Years, my sister Amanda and her husband Scott and son Simon (and one on the way)... came for a visit.
By that point, we had purchased our own RockBand2 for our Wii (love those gift cards).
Logan and Scott became addicted to playing for their Pit Stains Band.
They spent hours playing...
We had a great weekend... and enjoyed the music and relaxing.

Lastly - Logan and I attacked a nearly impossible project. We have this rocking chair that is VERY comfortable, but not so pretty. So we bought some material, and attempted covering it. When my friend Leslie was here - she helped by outlining a rough pattern - and we took that a created this. I have to say - I am very impressed with our work. It looks great in the baby's room now.


Here is my 8 month picture: