16 day post delivery

Sorry it has taken me so long to post about the delivery. But at the time I felt like. When I posted here it was the end of my journey. So I thought. Well, I am still pumping my breast milk for Lucas and Fed Ex it to him once a week. I have lost a total of 33 pounds as of yesterday. I spend most of my day pumping. I am pumping every three hours. From the time I get up till the time a go to sleep. Brent & Daniel bought me a medela pump in style advanced breast pump. It also has a battery pack. So I can pump on the go. When Michael & I are out for more then three hours. I will pump while Michael drives. I try to work my little errands around pumping. But for the most part. I tend to stay home. I am still sore from my c-section. I don't do a whole lot of walking yet. My OB Dr. told me I still needed to take it easy and rest. I am not able to even do house work yet. My weight lose is from me pumping. It's amazing on how much weight you can lose. From just pumping. I have 23.5 pounds to go to hit my pre-Ivf weight.  Big thanks to Brent and Daniel for allowing me to give Lucas my breast milk. It's pretty costly shipping it out to them. But Lucas is really benefiting from the breast milk. Lucas is now 6 pounds and he has a big belly. He looks so cute.
In order to keep up my milk supply. I watch videos of Lucas crying and sucking on his pacifier.

Lucas story

Lucas was born 12/9/2010 @ 8:30 pm. After Lucas was born. Michael said to me. Look can you believe Lucas was inside of you. It seemed so unreal. Then I realized. I didn't have any motherly insists towards Lucas. Don't get me wrong. I mean Lucas not my baby. But I did realize that for the next 24 hours. I was in charge of Lucas. Till Lucas Daddy's arrived.




At about 11:30 pm Thursday night. Nic-unit Ped Dr. came into my room. Lucas had several episodes of sleep apnea. Plus they were also concerned with fluid in Lucas lungs. So they moved Lucas from the bay nursery to nic-unit. The Dr. put Lucas on a c-pap machine to help him breath while he is sleeping.



I immediately called my Mom. I decided to wait till my IF's arrived at the hospital the next morning. I had the Ped. Dr. talk to Lucas Dads. My big worry for them. They were flying into San Fransisco. Then driving two hours to Sacramento. The next morning. I called RP and spoke to our coordinator. I informed her of the last 24 hours. She agreed about waiting till B & D arrived at the hospital.

Then my nurse came in and got me up. She took me into see Lucas. He was puffy. But they did remove the c-pap. He had on a nasal oxygen. When I spoke to Lucas. He opened his eyes and looked right at me.



Once B & D arrived by 2pm. The Ped Dr. meet with them in my room. Then took them to meet their son. They both broke down when they saw him.

I on the other have started pumping my breast milk. My milk didn't come in till Saturday morning. I've been pumping about every 2-3 hours.

D & B bought me a medela breast pump. When I get released from the hospital today. I am going to continue pumping. Till B & D take Lucas home.

Lucas will remain in the nicu unit. Lucas is breathing on his own now. He needs to eat 45ml of bottle milk per feeding. Before he can be released.

I have lost 10 pounds since giving birth last Thursday night.

My hormones kicked in last night. As I was watching Brothers and Sister on ABC. I know its natural. I am going back to college to get my AA in Business Administration. So now I have something to focas on.

Surprise Lucas came early.

It all started Sunday Dec 5th. I was having back labor. So M/T took me to the hospital. I was 2cm and 30% efface. I was given a muscle relaxer and sent home.




Monday I had my usual stress test and that went fine. On Thursday, that's when the fun really started happening. I was starting to make lunch for Michael and I. I got a sharp pain in my lower back with a contraction. I breathed through it. Finished lunch and sat down. Then Michael got home for lunch. I told him what just happened. He said I bet your going to be put in the hospital today. I told him to bite his tongue. I have too much stuff to do that day. We eat and I went to lay down till my 3pm OB & stress test appointment. My 19 yr old son was home that day. So I had him drive me to my Dr. Appointment. During my stress tests I had a couple of contractions. Then the nurse asked me if I wanted like to be ck. I said sure. I have a lot stuff to get done this weekend. I was planning on dressing like Santa Claus for the Gems Christmas party. Hate to let my jolly belly go to waste. LOL So I thought.



The Dr. came in and ck me. I was now 4cm and 100% efface. The Dr. and I went to the other side of the office to have an ultra sound done. TO ck to see if the baby is down. Now while this is all happening. I am telling the staff and Dr's. I can't delivery this baby. Lucas has 3.5 weeks to go. Plus I have things to do. Which I listed it out to them. They just all smiled and said you need to go to the hospital right now. I said OK. The front office staff said Good luck on my delivery. At witch point I was still in denial. I said I'll be out of the hospital in a couple hours. So my son drove while I was on the phone with my Michael. I told him to meet me at the hospital with my stuff. Including the belly casting kit. Then I text my Brent we need to talk. I let him know what was going on and I was going into the hospital to be monitored.



Once I got up to Labor & Delivery. My Dr. said we are going to deliver Lucas in about hour and half. I pleaded my case. To wait till tomorrow so my Brent and Daniel could fly in from N.Y. The Dr. told with my fibroids. Lucas would form his head around the fibroid trying to come out of the birth canal. Lucas would likely have a cone head or a watermelon head. I couldn't let that happen. I pleaded for the Dr. to allow me to do my belly casting. He said fine but make it quick. THEN MY Dr. called Brent & Daniel. Told them the situation.

Half an hour later Micahel finally got to the hospital. We did the belly casting. While the surgical team waited for me to finish the belly casting. 8 pm I finally walked into surgery. I tried to talk the team into letting me text. While the procedure was happening. They all laughed and said NO. Hey, can't blame me for trying. LOL M/T was able to be in there with me and took lots of pics. He also video Lucas crying for the first time. Lucas was born 8:30pm Dec. 9, 2010.

YIPPIE !!!!!!!!

Brent and Daniel will be here for my last OB ultra sound appointment. I am so happy.. They get to see Lucas a week before his birth day. The OB staff is looking foreword to meeting both of them. I think the real reality will set in at this appointment.
I am planning on packing my bag this evening. Since it's getting close. I am feeling cramping too. I still have 28 days of baking Lucas to go.

35 weeks

Sorry, I haven't posted in a while. I am visiting my OB twice a week for stress test. I am sched for my c-section to Jan 3rd of next year. OB told me that my uterus has grown. The big fibroid has moved to just under my belly button. That's great news for me.
The last two night about 11 pm . I start having stronger contractions for over an hour. I try to fall asleep. Eventually the contractions go away.  I am trying to rest sometime during the day.  I am./m craving beef big time. 
Today I received my belly casting kit. I am hoping Michael and I can get it done by next week. So Brent and Daniel will have it by Christmas.
I also decided I am going to start college after I deliver Lucas. I already started the process. Hopefully I will be able to start my classes Jan 18th. I am planning on getting my AA in Business. My Mom and Michael are really encouraging me on this journey. So I am planning on being a full time student.  This will keep me very busy.
So that's all for now......

32 weeks We are in the home stretch.

With everything that happen with this pregnancy. I am surprised I have made it this far. With out bring put in the hospital. Granted I have gone to labor and delivery a couple of times last month. But it looks like my contractions have finally settled down. Lucas feels like he is running out of room in me.  I have to wait for him to settle down at night. Before I am able to fall asleep.
Brent and Daniel are getting Lucas room ready. Monday I have my OB appointment. I will find out my schedule c-section date. I spoke to Daniel last night. I told him about primrose oil. They say it will help induce labor naturally. I am planning on buying some. Start taking it before Christmas. Since it takes a week to start the cervix and labor. Daniel can't wait till Jan to get his hands on his baby boy.
M next goal is to make it to Thanksgiving without being hospitalized. Cross your figures and toes. LOL
You know I could never have gone through this journey. With out my amazing boyfriend Michael. He has been more then wonderful. Then I could ever imagine. I'll try to update more as we get closer to welcoming baby Lucas into this world......

New Stress

My Oldest son is here living with us. When I tried to explain surrogacy. He said Mom I know all about it. I watched My baby Mam ma. GREAT I think?
My son Joshuah is 19 years old. He is at times driving me crazy....... He has been a help at times. BUT
He isn't as clean as Michael and I. He is bored half the time. I don't have the energy to entertain him. Thank God Michael is so calm and collective.  He looks like an adult, but acts like a teenager.

Contractions, contractions

For the last three weeks. I have been having contractions. They are 4- 10 min. apart. They last up to 6 hours then they stop all together. It's becoming annoying. I have been to labor and delivery twice. I am refusing to go now. Since my last OB appointment. My cervix is closed. I am tired of bed rest. But I know it's best that I stay down. Until the contractions subside. The end of this week I will be 29 weeks pregnant. I will be in my third trimester of pregnancy.  This is harder then I thought mentally. But I am glade Lukas is happy and healthy. Still growing like a weed.
My next OB appointment is in two weeks. I'll update then.

My 1st trip to labor and delivery

Sunday I wasn't feeling up to par. So I took a lazy day. Michael had to go to clients house. I lay around the house. At 4pm I started having contractions. I went to bed , but they continued. I called my OB around 6pm. She said continue laying down and the contractions should taper of. But if they continue after two hours go to the hospital and get monitored. When we arrived at 9pm. I was put on monitor and I was having contractions ever 4 minutes. The nurse put a call into my OB. The nurse came back in and ck my cervix. It was long and closed, but soften. My OB had her give me a pill to stop the contractions. Then we waited an hour. I was having contractions every 10 minutes. I was given another pill. Again we waited an hour. My contractions finally stopped. So I was sent home with meds and bed rest. The next morning I called my OB and told her I was having headache due to the new med. She took me off it. But i I got another contractions. I was to take the med.
Yesterday I had mucus discharge. So I placed another call into my OB. Since there was no blood strikes in the mucus. I was OK. My OB decided to but me on an anti-inflammatory every 6 hours for the next 48 hours.
Last night I was watching the movie The babies. My breast started leaking. Go figure. Michael is getting me nursing pads.
My blood pressure is still holding steady. I am trying everything to keep little Lukas inside of me.

Week 26

Lukas is kicking up a strong lately. I am continuing to have contractions every our days now. Once they begun I go to bed and rest for 24 hours. They usually stop. Friday I had a contraction that brought me to tears. I know they sill only continue to get stronger from here. I do check my blood pressure to make sure it continues to stay normal. I never thought I would be confined to my home for so long. I don't take showers by myself because I am afraid of slipping. In fact the other night. I lost my balance while in the shower and Michael caught me. 
I am hoping that I won't have to spend the last two months in the hospital. Lukas is growing right on target. The guys are getting things for Lukas. I hope they are really ready when their son makes his big appearance into their lives.

Lucas found a new play toy in me

Last night Lucas found my lower fibroid. He was having a great time kicking away at it. Not so much fun for me. But he was enjoying himself.
Back at the home front. Daniel is in Cuba visiting his family. Brent is at home purchasing Lucas crib, changing table. Having a wonderful time doing it. It think it's so cute reading the emails from Brent and Daniel. They are getting so excited about Lucas arrival.
I am looking foreword to the day. I can enjoy a cosmo again.  In the mean time. I am favoring my water with lime, lemons or anything else I can find. Since that's all I can basically drink. That doesn't have any form of caffeine or sugar.  I am still taking my afternoon naps when I can. I feel like I need to take big deep breaths every now and then. Tomorrow is my OB appointment. I'll post again.. From Lucas bouncy house.....

Lucas is active in my belly

Yesterday, I received a lullabelly sound system.  Brent and Daniel bought an MP3 recorder. They recorded stories for Lucas.  When I put the lullabelly on Lucas becomes very active.  I am playing the MP3 player. In the morning, afternoon and evening.  I have another OB appointment next week.
I have been walking more. Now that my OB let up on my restrictions.
I am enjoying the pregnancy now. 17 weeks to go. I hope Lucas decides to stay in me till the end.

I asked my surro group this question?

I am now 21 weeks. Lucas is kicking and moving around. But I don't feel all giddy over Lucas kicking me. I mean it's nice in all.


I do feel protective of Lucas. But the motherly feeling aren't there. Which I believe is a good thing. Because this little boy that is growing inside of me is not mine. It's Brent and Daniel's baby boy. Did or does any one else feel this way? Thanks for your input.

My surro ladies all felt the same way. It's a positive feeling I am having. I live so much better. Thursday is my next OB appointment. Michael wants to come with me. I have a wonderful supportive man in my life. He has been beyond supportive of me and this pregnancy. Michael new nick name for me is waddles.  LOL
I am hoping I haven't gained any more weight. But will see.

Contractions

Yes, you read it right. Last Monday I went into my Dr. office. While having my U/S done The Dr. informs me. Due to my cervix being pushed back and to the left. By two fibroids. I will be starting to have contractions through out the remainder of my pregnancy. But not to worry my Dr said. Because those two lovely fibroids won't allow my cervix to thin out and shrink. As my pregnancy continues to progress my contractions will get stronger. And they will also hurt more. It's nice to know I have something this fun to look foreword too. LOL
Ah, on a good note. If I have someone else hide avocado in say a burrito. I can eat it and enjoy it. Lucas is none the wiser. Speaking of Lucas. I have been feeling more kicking from him recently.
My energy level is every other day now. I feel like a beach whale. I was weighed today and I gained a half a pound. Since three weeks ago.  My appetite comes and goes.  I went to Ikea the other day. They just baked a patch of those yummy cinnamon rolls. I couldn't resist. I bought one. I took two bites of that yummy roll. And drove straight to Michael's office. I walked right in and handed him the cinnamon roll. I made him eat it.  I knew if that roll came home with me. I would have eat the whole thing. O'course Michael happily finished off the cinnamon roll. He was taking for the team. He is such a team player.  Well, that all for now....

Little CupcaKe has a name

Today Brent & Daniel have picked their son name. I am carrying Lucas Daniel Sikkama. Hopefully this weekend. His father's will be recording their voices on an ipod. I can't wait for their baby to hear their voices. Things keep getting better and better.

Crying over avocados

I sent this to my IF's

Normally I eat a half of a everything bagel thin. With cream cheese and slices of avocado. Well, two morning ago. I cut an avocado in half. I almost lost it. I was gaging. I felt like I was going to be sick.


So tonight I asked Michael to please cut up some avocados so I can make guacamole. I went into the kitchen a saw the cut up avocados. I started gaging again. I had to go lay down. Then I realized your baby boy doesn't like avocados anymore. I got so sad. I called my Mom. She said the baby is Cuban and he doesn't know any better. I love avocados. I started crying. I got off the phone and Michael finished making the guacamole. I went into the kitchen warmed up a tomato and basil tortilla. I put the guacamole on it. I had to force myself to eat it. I lost my taste for avocados. I am so sad. Because I eat avocados through out all three of my pregnancies.

And also I am having growing uterus pains tonight. Michael's being a good sport over my sad evening.

I am hoping this will be a passing phase for your little one.

I am possibly crying over spilled milk. So to speak. Since your not here. I wanted to share my crazy emotional pregnancy right now.

Renee & your protesting cupcaKe

Great news

Michael & I went to my specialist appointment. Great news!! First the pocket of blood above my uterus has been reabsorbed back into my body. The fibroid is not part of my uterus. I don't have to get a hysterectomy. I can deliver vag. if my body will allow it to. But they still want to sched. me for a c-section. Brent, Daniel, Michael & I are so relieved and happy. I will continue to be under the care of the specialist. But everything is good. My Dr. said the reason why my old OB reacted the way she did. Was from all the bleeding I was doing. Things are really looking up.

I left like a ton of weight was lifted off my shoulders.

Sweet Success?

This morning I drove to Carmichael for a 4 hour gestational diabetics class. The program is called Sweet success.. There is nothing sweet about it. The staff will be following my gestational diabetics on a weekly bases through out my pregnancy.  I have to go see them every three weeks. Unless something comes up. I am now giving myself my insulin at bed time instead of before dinner. I also have to wake up at 3am to test my blood. Just one time. The nurse feels that I am dropping too low in the middle of the  night. And piking in the morning. I found out that I need to eat 30 carbs per meal and per snack. I am now allowed to have a snack before bed time. They told me I could have 1/2 cup of ice cream as my evening snack. Hey that exciting news for me. So on the way home I stopped by the store and picked up a 1/2 gallon of strawberry ice cream. I also lost two pounds. Which makes me even more happy.
I saw my acupuncturist this afternoon. AAAHHH I needed that session.  I was out and about for almost the whole day. So when Michael came home from the office. We both decided on eating out. Pizza..... I just ck my blood sugar numbers and it was 117. I need to stay under 120 after meals.

 I am now laying down on my comfy bed. A/C on and fans blowing. CupcaKe and I are happy.
Tomorrow is our rest day.
Next Wed is the specialist appointment. I really am looking foreword to meeting and having the specialist take over my OB case.
Things are starting to look up.
Now if mother nature could be so kind and easy off the heat about 15 degrees. I would be in heaven....