Today we had the brit milah, otherwise known as the circumcision. This ceremony also included the official naming of our baby boy. His Hebrew name is Asher, like one of the 12 tribes. His English name is Isadore, who was my great-grandfather Isadore Plavner's name. I never knew him, but it is a tradition to name your children after someone who has passed on. From what we know, he was a mashgiach, or superviser, at a religious university. In his role he oversaw the preparation of meat and other kitchen related activities, but also the well-being of the boys attending the university. We are trying to find more info on him.
The ceremony was great, but I was nervous since yesterday. I was not worried about the actual cutting, but more oconcerned with the number of people who would come. I wasn't sure if we had enough food, or enough space or too much...I had no idea what to expect. I figured quite a few people would show up, but I was reall shocked to see how manyactually did. I would put the number somewhere around 50 or 60.
Once the ceremony was done, we all participated in a festive meal which was a great treat for everyone. Some people believe it is a "good omen" for having children if you participate in this meal. There are probably many other beliefs, but this is the one I heard about the most. I say "good omen" because that is the only English phrase I can think of to explain it. Typically Jews do not believe in such things as good omens because it would suggest that The Almighty was not in control of everything, but instead that some outside force could have an affect. As time has progressed through the years, these "omens" have increased and become accepted as customs.
Aside from all that, I want to thank everyone who showed up and all those who have supported us along the way.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Arrival
So baby Leffler has arrived via C-section at 10:06pm December 23rd, 2008. He is 8lbs 2ozs and is 21 1/4" long.
After her water broke, we thought things would speed up from there. As time went on, she wasn't dilating enough and her contractions weren't consistent. She had been at 6cm for several hours. She also started to run a fever of about 100.9. The next step was to administer petosin. This is meant to stimulate the contractions and dilation. However once it was administered there was an adverse affect on the baby during the peak of the contractions- his heart rate went down. At that time, it was determined that a C-section was going to be the best decision.
At this point I became very worried for Venessa because the amount of anesthesia seemed like a lot, but what do I know. I really started thinking about all the scary stuff that a person shouldn't think about.
They gave me the option of being in the room during the surgery and I thought I'd be ok with it. Afterall I had worked as a vet tech and had seen some pretty gross things and helped during many surgeries. It didn't matter, I couldn't stand by and watch as they cut in to my most beloved wife. So I waited with Venessa's family in the observation area.
During this time I couldn't really articulate anything I was feeling. I just felt totally helpless. I started to have internal prayers for her safety and that the baby would be ok. My prayers were answered.
Baby boy Leffler was brought out to me so we could see him. He was amazing to see. It was a totally unreal experience. The nurse and I took him in to the nuresery so they could complete some of the other steps, including a vitamin K shot. Again, I couldn't watch as they stuck hime with a syringe. Ugh.
Now he was all done and I decided to go see Venessa in the recovery room. She looked exhausted and drugged up, so I felt this was a good time to get her permission to do all the things I have been wanting to do, Vegas here I come! Back to reality. I spoke to Venessa and held her hand. We talked about our little boy and a few other cosmic topics. Seeing her was such a relief, I can't explain.
After the surgery was done, we had to wait about 45 minutes before they could move us to the maternity ward. After that, we settled in and fed him. At that time it was about 11:15pm. It was about 1:45am when they came in to take him for his first bath. Then they fed him and put him to bed in the nursery so Venessa and I could get some badly needed sleep.
8:30am and 6 hours of sleep later, we were woken up by the cleaning staff. We felt great, at least I did, and Venessa has been getting different checks done to make sure everything is ok. I went to check on the baby and brought him back in. We had a failed attempt at nursing. I was also given my first opportunity at changing a diaper, which wasn't so bad all things considered.
Now we are just hanging out, talking and sending out emails. I'll try to get some pics up, however I forgot the USB cable at home....along with the diaper bag.
Thanks to everyone who has been there along the way, we love you all!
After her water broke, we thought things would speed up from there. As time went on, she wasn't dilating enough and her contractions weren't consistent. She had been at 6cm for several hours. She also started to run a fever of about 100.9. The next step was to administer petosin. This is meant to stimulate the contractions and dilation. However once it was administered there was an adverse affect on the baby during the peak of the contractions- his heart rate went down. At that time, it was determined that a C-section was going to be the best decision.
At this point I became very worried for Venessa because the amount of anesthesia seemed like a lot, but what do I know. I really started thinking about all the scary stuff that a person shouldn't think about.
They gave me the option of being in the room during the surgery and I thought I'd be ok with it. Afterall I had worked as a vet tech and had seen some pretty gross things and helped during many surgeries. It didn't matter, I couldn't stand by and watch as they cut in to my most beloved wife. So I waited with Venessa's family in the observation area.
During this time I couldn't really articulate anything I was feeling. I just felt totally helpless. I started to have internal prayers for her safety and that the baby would be ok. My prayers were answered.
Baby boy Leffler was brought out to me so we could see him. He was amazing to see. It was a totally unreal experience. The nurse and I took him in to the nuresery so they could complete some of the other steps, including a vitamin K shot. Again, I couldn't watch as they stuck hime with a syringe. Ugh.
Now he was all done and I decided to go see Venessa in the recovery room. She looked exhausted and drugged up, so I felt this was a good time to get her permission to do all the things I have been wanting to do, Vegas here I come! Back to reality. I spoke to Venessa and held her hand. We talked about our little boy and a few other cosmic topics. Seeing her was such a relief, I can't explain.
After the surgery was done, we had to wait about 45 minutes before they could move us to the maternity ward. After that, we settled in and fed him. At that time it was about 11:15pm. It was about 1:45am when they came in to take him for his first bath. Then they fed him and put him to bed in the nursery so Venessa and I could get some badly needed sleep.
8:30am and 6 hours of sleep later, we were woken up by the cleaning staff. We felt great, at least I did, and Venessa has been getting different checks done to make sure everything is ok. I went to check on the baby and brought him back in. We had a failed attempt at nursing. I was also given my first opportunity at changing a diaper, which wasn't so bad all things considered.
Now we are just hanging out, talking and sending out emails. I'll try to get some pics up, however I forgot the USB cable at home....along with the diaper bag.
Thanks to everyone who has been there along the way, we love you all!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
correction
In my dream the name was Juan Jupita, not Chupita. I still have no idea what it means...perhaps an interpretor can chime in....
The Final Countdown
Yesterday Venessa was having contractions all day and they started to get more regular and stronger at about 3:30pm. At about midnight we went to the hospital and checked in to the triage unit. They held us there for a while and ran some checks. To our dismay, Venessa was only 2cm dilated.
They finally moved us to a labor and delivery room. By then her contractions were really painful and it was hard for me to watch. She was exhausted and very stressed from all the pain. At this point in time, she had maybe found an hour of broken sleep.
After dealing with the pain and contacting a rabbinic authority, we decided that she should get an epidural. Why the rabbinic authority you ask? Well there is an expression, b'sha ah tova. It loosely means "in good time" and according to tradition, child birth is one of those things that only G-d has the keys to, so we are not suppose to take shortcuts or take the reigns unless there is a life-threatening issue. In this case it turns out an epidural is ok regardless, so we went with it.
Within minutes of receiving the epidural, Venessa was so much more relaxed. We could talk to her and she seemed lucid. They also checked and she was about 3.5cm dilated. After about ten minutes she was so relaxed she fell asleep for about two hours.
Right now, her water has broke and they guesstimate that baby Leffler will be here by 7pm.
They finally moved us to a labor and delivery room. By then her contractions were really painful and it was hard for me to watch. She was exhausted and very stressed from all the pain. At this point in time, she had maybe found an hour of broken sleep.
After dealing with the pain and contacting a rabbinic authority, we decided that she should get an epidural. Why the rabbinic authority you ask? Well there is an expression, b'sha ah tova. It loosely means "in good time" and according to tradition, child birth is one of those things that only G-d has the keys to, so we are not suppose to take shortcuts or take the reigns unless there is a life-threatening issue. In this case it turns out an epidural is ok regardless, so we went with it.
Within minutes of receiving the epidural, Venessa was so much more relaxed. We could talk to her and she seemed lucid. They also checked and she was about 3.5cm dilated. After about ten minutes she was so relaxed she fell asleep for about two hours.
Right now, her water has broke and they guesstimate that baby Leffler will be here by 7pm.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Juan Chupita
To everyone who has been waiting so patiently for Bar-El and I to have this baby...keep waiting.
The baby is not here, but we had a really good dry run this morning for what going into labor and having the baby might be like. And, for those of you who are wondering: No, I did not just wet my pants again. This was pretty realistic.
I spent all day yesterday wandering around town with Nikki and Ryan, trying to get things started with the baby. Nothing. Not even a good contraction or two. Came home, lit Hanukkah candles with Bar-El, folded laundry, finished packing Bar-El's hospital overnight bag. Nothing. Bar-El and I walked with Toku over to Nikki and Ryan's to take them some chocolate and have some apple cider. Nothing.
Being that we are all a little anxious about the baby coming, Nikki served me something she called "Fire and Ice:" homemade ice cream blended with strawberries and Hatch green chiles. We thought the spiciness of the chiles might stimulate some action. Although the chiles were VERY spicy, still NOTHING, as far as labor signs. So home we went.
Sometime in the middle of the night, Yafeh (the cat) jumped off of my belly a couple of times. I didn't think anything of it, since she does it all the time. However, at about 2:45, I had a contraction that hurt so bad, it woke me up. So, I thought, ok, I'll get up and go to the bathroom and just wait and see what's going on. As soon as I stood up, though: gush. My water. I was sure of it. I went to the bathroom and cleaned up a bit (more leaking). I went upstairs and got a pair of sweatpants (leak). Cleaned up again, Bar-El woke up (leak). And Bar-El decided it was time to call the doctor (continuing to leak). We get ready to go to the hospital (leak, leak). We go, they check us in. We're there for about two hours (continuing to leak the whole time), but they determine that it ISN'T my water, it is just a sign that I am finally starting to dilate, and possibly go into the beginnings of early labor (leak, leak, leak). They sent us home, with the instructions "Be prepared" (leak).
Are you kidding me?
One funny thing did come out of this episode. Bar-El, as the cat was practicing her Olympic floor routine on my tummy, was asleep and having a very silly dream about my actually having the baby. He dreamed (I am sure, as a result of the combo of something Nikki said, and the green chile ice cream, as well as his own anxiety) that I had the baby while he was at work, and when he arrived, I was getting ready to take the baby home.
In the dream, I told him, "By the way, I already named the baby...his name is Juan Chupita (Spanish speakers, is "Chupita" even a word? It sounds like a snack food from Taco Bell). I liked the name, and that's what it is."
Needless to say, when he woke up, Bar-El was already nervous about my having named the beby Juan Chupita, and there I was, wandering around, leaking. Good news is: we got to practice going to the hospital, and everything went very smoothly and calmly; we are not naming the baby Juan Chupita (or anything like it, although I suggested using it as a family nickname); and I am home, waiting for real labor to set in. I anticipate, at this point, going to the hospital in the next day or so, given the continuing of contractions and pace at which I was dilating.
We'll keep you posted.
The baby is not here, but we had a really good dry run this morning for what going into labor and having the baby might be like. And, for those of you who are wondering: No, I did not just wet my pants again. This was pretty realistic.
I spent all day yesterday wandering around town with Nikki and Ryan, trying to get things started with the baby. Nothing. Not even a good contraction or two. Came home, lit Hanukkah candles with Bar-El, folded laundry, finished packing Bar-El's hospital overnight bag. Nothing. Bar-El and I walked with Toku over to Nikki and Ryan's to take them some chocolate and have some apple cider. Nothing.
Being that we are all a little anxious about the baby coming, Nikki served me something she called "Fire and Ice:" homemade ice cream blended with strawberries and Hatch green chiles. We thought the spiciness of the chiles might stimulate some action. Although the chiles were VERY spicy, still NOTHING, as far as labor signs. So home we went.
Sometime in the middle of the night, Yafeh (the cat) jumped off of my belly a couple of times. I didn't think anything of it, since she does it all the time. However, at about 2:45, I had a contraction that hurt so bad, it woke me up. So, I thought, ok, I'll get up and go to the bathroom and just wait and see what's going on. As soon as I stood up, though: gush. My water. I was sure of it. I went to the bathroom and cleaned up a bit (more leaking). I went upstairs and got a pair of sweatpants (leak). Cleaned up again, Bar-El woke up (leak). And Bar-El decided it was time to call the doctor (continuing to leak). We get ready to go to the hospital (leak, leak). We go, they check us in. We're there for about two hours (continuing to leak the whole time), but they determine that it ISN'T my water, it is just a sign that I am finally starting to dilate, and possibly go into the beginnings of early labor (leak, leak, leak). They sent us home, with the instructions "Be prepared" (leak).
Are you kidding me?
One funny thing did come out of this episode. Bar-El, as the cat was practicing her Olympic floor routine on my tummy, was asleep and having a very silly dream about my actually having the baby. He dreamed (I am sure, as a result of the combo of something Nikki said, and the green chile ice cream, as well as his own anxiety) that I had the baby while he was at work, and when he arrived, I was getting ready to take the baby home.
In the dream, I told him, "By the way, I already named the baby...his name is Juan Chupita (Spanish speakers, is "Chupita" even a word? It sounds like a snack food from Taco Bell). I liked the name, and that's what it is."
Needless to say, when he woke up, Bar-El was already nervous about my having named the beby Juan Chupita, and there I was, wandering around, leaking. Good news is: we got to practice going to the hospital, and everything went very smoothly and calmly; we are not naming the baby Juan Chupita (or anything like it, although I suggested using it as a family nickname); and I am home, waiting for real labor to set in. I anticipate, at this point, going to the hospital in the next day or so, given the continuing of contractions and pace at which I was dilating.
We'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Due Date
Today is our actual due date for Baby Leffler.
He or she is not here, nor do I have any indication that he or she will arrive any time soon. I have had a few good contractions in the last four or five days, but nothing that really says "Baby on the way!" I am ok with this. Meanwhile, everyone I know (or even see) keeps asking "Aren't you just ready to be done?" or "Are you nervous?" The answer, on both counts, is "not really." I like being pregnant just fine, and the baby will come when he/she is darn good and ready. I am more ready for people to stop asking me dumb questions...
Bar-El thinks we can get the bathroom done by this weekend. All the tile is done, and the grout is curing for another day or so before we can seal it. Once that is finished, then we can clean really well, paint the little bit of wall space that is open, and install the toilet, vanity and hardware. I can't wait to have this nice, new, fancy bathroom ready to use. I will post photos of the finished product soon.
I hope everyone is having a fantastic winter/holiday season. I will continue to post updates on both the bathroom and the baby as things develop. Perhaps the next post will have pics of one or the other! :)
He or she is not here, nor do I have any indication that he or she will arrive any time soon. I have had a few good contractions in the last four or five days, but nothing that really says "Baby on the way!" I am ok with this. Meanwhile, everyone I know (or even see) keeps asking "Aren't you just ready to be done?" or "Are you nervous?" The answer, on both counts, is "not really." I like being pregnant just fine, and the baby will come when he/she is darn good and ready. I am more ready for people to stop asking me dumb questions...
Bar-El thinks we can get the bathroom done by this weekend. All the tile is done, and the grout is curing for another day or so before we can seal it. Once that is finished, then we can clean really well, paint the little bit of wall space that is open, and install the toilet, vanity and hardware. I can't wait to have this nice, new, fancy bathroom ready to use. I will post photos of the finished product soon.
I hope everyone is having a fantastic winter/holiday season. I will continue to post updates on both the bathroom and the baby as things develop. Perhaps the next post will have pics of one or the other! :)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Progress
Our Amby Baby Hammock FINALLY arrived from Canada. It took us about 25 minutes to assemble--once we read through the directions--and it is so cute. I can't wait to get little Baby Leffler home to try it out.
As you can see, Yafeh is not impressed.
Monday, December 8, 2008
False Alarms...
Tomorrow morning, we will be 39 weeks along. We finally registered at Babies 'R' Us this weekend, and I packed a little diaper bag for Bar-El to have at the hospital so he would feel prepared. Last week, I moved some furniture, and began making space in the baby's room for the baby's things. I thought I was making real progress.
I don't feel especially anxious to have the baby come, though. If we have spoken at all recently, you know that I would like the baby to wait until the afternoon of the 20th to decide to make any moves so I don't have to leave work before Winter Break. However, everyone seems to be an expert, and I get lots of advice about how "the baby will come when he/she wants to" (we still don't know, or even want to know, what our little person will be), and I can just forget about any kind of plan, etc. I certainly understand the unpredictability of having a baby, and I'm okay with that. But today, because everyone is so spooky about just how unpredictable babies can be, I actually checked myself into the hospital at 6:15 p.m., thinking my water broken while visiting with a co-worker in the hall after school.
So, in the middle of the fabulous snowstorm that we are having here in Denver, I drove from work to Rose Medical Center--after checking in with my doctor on the phone first, of course. On the way, I stopped to text Bar-El what was (or more likely wasn't) going on, and he called right away to make sure I was okay. Mostly, he called to make fun of the fact that I had probably just peed my pants--AGAIN.
When I got to the hospital, I was checked in, gave a urine sample (after nine months of these, I still can't aim just right), and waited patiently to be examined. The nurses monitored the baby the entire time, which was kind-of fun because I got to listen to his/her heartbeat for over an hour, and hear how it changed when the baby was doing the nightly Bas Rutten heavy bag workout. I took a nap. The baby took a 20-minute nap. I watched an episode of Deal or No Deal. I got to wear a very stylish hospital gown and equally-chic hospital bracelet. Then I got the exam, and the nurse confirmed that, yes, I did only pee my pants. Then, I got dressed and came home.
My fabulous trip to the hospital did remind me that I need to be a little more prepared. I am going to pack my overnight bag tonight. I am going to pack Bar-El's bag, as well. I suppose I need to, at least, seem like I am ready to go back to Rose at any time. I will keep everyone posted...but don't expect a major update until December 20th or later. :)
I don't feel especially anxious to have the baby come, though. If we have spoken at all recently, you know that I would like the baby to wait until the afternoon of the 20th to decide to make any moves so I don't have to leave work before Winter Break. However, everyone seems to be an expert, and I get lots of advice about how "the baby will come when he/she wants to" (we still don't know, or even want to know, what our little person will be), and I can just forget about any kind of plan, etc. I certainly understand the unpredictability of having a baby, and I'm okay with that. But today, because everyone is so spooky about just how unpredictable babies can be, I actually checked myself into the hospital at 6:15 p.m., thinking my water broken while visiting with a co-worker in the hall after school.
So, in the middle of the fabulous snowstorm that we are having here in Denver, I drove from work to Rose Medical Center--after checking in with my doctor on the phone first, of course. On the way, I stopped to text Bar-El what was (or more likely wasn't) going on, and he called right away to make sure I was okay. Mostly, he called to make fun of the fact that I had probably just peed my pants--AGAIN.
When I got to the hospital, I was checked in, gave a urine sample (after nine months of these, I still can't aim just right), and waited patiently to be examined. The nurses monitored the baby the entire time, which was kind-of fun because I got to listen to his/her heartbeat for over an hour, and hear how it changed when the baby was doing the nightly Bas Rutten heavy bag workout. I took a nap. The baby took a 20-minute nap. I watched an episode of Deal or No Deal. I got to wear a very stylish hospital gown and equally-chic hospital bracelet. Then I got the exam, and the nurse confirmed that, yes, I did only pee my pants. Then, I got dressed and came home.
My fabulous trip to the hospital did remind me that I need to be a little more prepared. I am going to pack my overnight bag tonight. I am going to pack Bar-El's bag, as well. I suppose I need to, at least, seem like I am ready to go back to Rose at any time. I will keep everyone posted...but don't expect a major update until December 20th or later. :)
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