Caiden is now 6 weeks old. Time has just flown by so fast. I’m trying to enjoy every moment, the good and the bad. He is more alert and awake than before. He vocalizes a lot and tries to talk to me and Chris. He also has the greatest facial expressions! I can’t tell you how much I enjoy his little bug! =)

Taking care of Caiden hasn’t been too hard. I have figured out a way to carry him and move around the house. I actually didn’t use a sling as much as I thought I would. Instead, I have him in one arm and on my lap and I just roll around the house (usually as I am taking Caiden on a tour of the house and talking to him about everything we see!). The slings I have were made for babies over 8lbs and I was a little nervous using them.

This is the general idea of how I carry Caiden around the house.

I use the sling occassionally, if I need both hands. Especially when little bit is asleep but refuses to sleep in his bed!

Caiden riding Kangaroo style!

Now, I use the sling a lot more since he’s big enough and his neck is getting stronger. He is so laid back, it doesn’t seem to bother him which method I use to carry him.

The dressing, bathing, feeding, burping, etc. has been something I have always known how to do. When you are one of the older girls in my family, you tend to become the “babysitter” of the younger ones. I remember caring for my six younger siblings (all under the age of 3) at once and cooking them dinner. Then feeding them (the twins had to be hand fed) Then bathing them (three girls in the bathtub in one bathroom and three boys in the shower in the other bathroom), dressing them and putting them in bed. Yup…I did that by myself! For me, it was second nature. For my sisters that are my age and older…it’s second nature. To top it off, the babies had either ADHD, FAS, they were drug babies (from their birth parents), or other issues, or all at the same time! For me, it was just a typical day with them. I loved them and I loved taking care of them. My point is not that I am this super woman…I’m not. But if I am having a rough day with my Zoomie, I just tell myself…if I can handle THEM…surely, I can handle my ONE little bug! I never thought of myself as a wife…nor a mother when I was in college. Now that I am both, I really enjoy it!

Well, until next time!

My husband and my baby!

Honestly, I think the most challenging thing I’ve faced was being alone with Caiden during the day. Taking care of him wasn’t an issue, but being alone was. I hate being by myself. I am an active person. I’m used to just deciding last minute that I am going to go out with a friend, or have a last minute dinner with a group, or go to my sisters house and hang out. It’s weird coming from a LARGE family and then having a tiny one!

We always tease within my own family that we can’t cook for 2. We end up cooking for 25 people…this makes fo

Meeting daddy for the first time!

It’s been quite the adventure! So…let’s get everyone caught up!

For those who don’t know…
Zoomie has arrived! He was 6 lbs and 1 oz and 20 inches long (he isn’t that anymore…he’s a big boy now!). He arrived by C-section on January 4, 2012. He is absolutely beautiful! They allowed my husband to be in the operating room while I was under general anesthesia. He took pictures and video while I was under. After the anesthesia wore off, i was put in recovery…so…Chris made sure that we had time alone with the baby before our families saw him. I love that man! . He took good care of us in the hospital and again when we came home. Chris had tons of pictures and video of the birth and recovery, so I didn’t feel like I missed out on the birth of my son.

Meeting mommy for the first time!

It’s been almost a month since I’ve had Caiden and he’s still just as cute and sweet as the day he was born. . Chris has been fortunate and was able to take off four weeks to stay with us (he went back to work yesterday). It  has been so helpful to have Chris home!  He helped me get in and out of bed when I was healing, in and out of the shower (ouchie!!!) and with the baby.   I also had the help of my sister, Ash, and my mother in law. I also have awesome friends that came over to visit, bring meals and ooooh and awwwwwed over little zoomie! It’s been nice seeing everyone and breaking up the day, since I was too nervous to leave the house! It’s a new mom thing!

Gradually, we (Chris, Caiden and I) took on the real world…one retail store at a time. Target, and the local mall. Next…the moon! Okay…a bit ambitious…but you get the idea! I’m ready for a real outing with my new little family.

Chris and I actually left our little one with a sitter (sitters) for the first time last week. I won’t lie when I say I was nervous. But I knew he was in good hands. He did very well!

The next big thing I was nervous about was Chris returning to work. Not that I couldn’t handle Caiden alone (I’ve handled 3-8 babies at once…most with disability’s ranging from FAS/ADHD/attachment disorders/drug babies or all of the above…I’m confident that I can handle ONE baby…without all of the above), but I am not used to being alone for long periods of time (big family, remember?). Chris had to return to work earlier than expected.  For two days, I figured out how to entertain myself when Caiden was asleep (THAT’S quite an accomplishment, if you ask me…!) However, between talking to Caiden (asleep and/or awake), Sydney (asleep and/or awake) and Buddha (asleep and/or awake)…I’ve managed to keep my sanity (and not annoy too many babies/animals/ghosts and/or inanimate objects) and not allow the quiet make me too sad or miss Chris too much.

So, that’s been the last month. I do need to warn you…posts will be scarce and few and far between for a little while. I hope to write more consistently later.

Have a good night! Mines just beginning! Little one likes to hang out with me (fully awake!) between the hours of 2-6am! Haha! We will get a schedule down soon! Wish us luck!

Our precious Caiden!

A modified smart car...pretty cool, eh?

In the world of the disabled (handicapped…differently-abled…crippleness…etc.), you will encounter a need to accommodate or modify your surrounding so you can navigate through the world of the walking (yeah…that’s right…I’m still calling you the “walking”). I’ve always been too proud to actually ask for accommodations at work. Why do I need them? I just figure out how to do it my way…or just not do it at all (YEAH RIGHT…I’ll find a way).

So let’s start with things I’ve modified to get through life…and…this pregnancy…
1. Let’s start with pants…
Pants are something everyone (well, the vast majority of the human population in America) wears at some point or another. After about 5 months of pregnancy…I refused to accept that I was getting bigger around the middle. You really couldn’t notice it…but still…I could. SO…I decided instead of wasting money on UNcute maternity pants…I was going to modify one of my current pants. They were so comfy! Until…I out grew that one. So…I continued to modify a few of my other pants (What??? I can always go shopping and buy new ones).

I altered my pants when I started getting too big for regular pants, but too small for maternity pants.

UPDATE: I finally found a store…BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY…of ALL places…that sold CUTE and stylish maternity clothes for a good price. Now…I look cute (as if I never do…HA!), with my round little belly.

2. Shower…already discussed. (See past blog)
3. Transferring in and out of the bed/car/etc.
Well…this one is more entertaining to me than anything else. I have fallen (and I promise I’m alright!) a few times since I’ve gotten pregnant. However, I always seem to land in a handstand and ease onto the floor. Now that I’ve gained more weight than I care to find out, I can’t really get back into my chair without some help. SO….when and IF I get out of my chair (whether it be by accident or intentional), I have to find something to hold on to (like a chair or ledge with the same height), and use my arms to lift my body onto the designated target. It’s quite entertaining for the layman to watch…but frustrating because the weight just KILLS my back and stomach! I have a few more weeks to go (January 4), but at least I know I can always land on my hands if I should ever fall! =) Now, don’t worry…I am more careful these days (mostly because I’m SO slow moving!) because I know what’s at stake.

I think that’s pretty much it. I’m surprised to see not much has really changed. I am also SO happy and thankful that this pregnancy has gone as well as it has. I’m healthy…my baby is healthy and I actually have energy! How long the energy will last…well, only time will tell! I am so ready to meet my little boy!

Then today…

I had a doctor’s appointment to check on my little boy and his progress. The doctor was (as usual) positive at his progress and our health. He is so active and he was doing so great that the test was cut short! My cervix was checked and absolutely no change! I was told that I’m carrying him so high, that it would be doubtful that he would move down. So…we scheduled a c-section. Baby Caiden is set to make his debut on January 4! I’m so excited we have a definite day. We have a plan and a deadline to get things done.

I’m also feeling a bit disappointed (hormones?). The delivery will be a little different from what I had in my head. I was hoping to be mentally alert for his arrival. I wanted to be one of the first to see him. I know it’s petty and a bit selfish…it’s hard to explain what I’m feeling. I wish I could find the words to express myself.

I’m always being reassured that it doesn’t make me any less of a mother (or woman). I’m also reminded that at least we are both healthy and and the c-section will be safer for both of us. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful that I’ve have such a blessed pregnancy. Seriously, God has been so merciful and good to me and my growing family. So, why am I feeling so disappointed?

I will get over the initial feeling, I just need to express it before I can become excited (or nervous…or scared…or anxious…or estatic…you get the idea). I usually have to process things emotionally first before I can go on…

Anyway…

It’s getting closer to the end of the semester and I can feel things beginning to unwind at work. I can feel the excitement of Christmas in the air and I’m trying not to go overboard with the gifts. I love buying, wrapping (especially wrapping) and giving gifts! However, I’m trying to save EVERY penny I have so I can spend more time at home during maternity leave…as well as (GULP!!) pay the medical bills!

It was also news I hadn’t wanted to accept because it wasn’t what I was imagining in my head of how my son would be introduced to the world and to me. My husband was very sweet and sympathetic, but had a good point. He wants the delivery to be safe for both Caiden and I. It was a gift from God that we are even able to have such a precious gift given to us.

The anesthesiologist basically gave us three options:
A) go natural and then if the pain is too much or if the baby is distressed, get knocked out (hopefully via medication verses a boxer) and have a c-section.
B) schedule a c-section (and be knocked out)
C) get an MRI of my back and then they can attempt the epidural. If its not working, get knocked out (again…with the assistance of medication!) and get a c-section.

Noticing a pattern?

I don’t know why it matters so much to me. I guess I wanted to be fully alert for his birth. However, if he’s safe and healthy…then it doesn’t matter the state of mind I’ll be in. . Not like I’m 100% alert on a good day these days!

I’m going to wait until he’s ready, and I go into labor before I opt for the c-section. So, we shall be patiently waiting for him to be ready! I just can’t wait until he’s in my arms.

I keep dreaming about him. Actually, my dreams are getting more and more bizarre! Some times they are sweet and are about my little baby. I can’t wait to see Caiden. Other times the dreams have nothing to do with anything…they are just nightmares…vivid and realistic. Weird, eh?

I went in for my check up on Wednesday and I’m so excited to see his progress. The doctor has been wonderful! She is so encouraging! Caiden is developing normally and so I’m hoping for a healthy baby boy. I have less than 7 weeks before I get to meet him FINALLY! I don’t want to rush him, or wish this pregnancy away, but I really can’t wait to meet him.

The doctor and I discussed the epidural, and anesthesia today. I go in for a consult on Saturday and pre-register for the hospital. I’ll keep you updated!

We also discussed the delivery options. We are going to try a vaginal delivery, however, a c-section might be a possibility. I believe she wants us to wait until I’m in labor to make the call. So, we are working on Caiden’s schedule. If he’s anything like me…well, he’s going to be late!

People ask me how I am going to handle certain situations when it comes to taking care of Caiden, such as:
“How are you going to carry him?”
Well, my first thought would be to keep him in a pouch or baby holder (like a Moby wrap) when I want to transport him from room to room. I really don’t know how other’s have done it, but I figured, I am not the first woman in a wheelchair to be a mommy, nor will I be the last. I will figure it out as I go, and I just hope that others are willing to encourage me through this adventure instead of criticize how I decide to do things. It will be trial and error, but it will be something that Chris, Caiden and I will discover together.

“Are you planning on going back to work after the baby is born?”
I am planning on taking maternity leave (10-12 weeks) depending on how long I need and how much I can afford to take off. I do plan on coming back to work. I think finances would force me to come back…but I also enjoy my job (most of the time!). I would actually want to come back. I’m torn…if I had a choice, I wouldn’t. haha

“Are you concerned that Caiden might be curious about what happened to you and why you can’t walk? Or why you aren’t like other mommies?”
It has crossed my mind to be concerned. After working with teenagers, it’s amazing how accepting and open they are to me. After awhile, they don’t see a wheelchair and a person sitting in one. They see the teacher that is making them learn math. =) I encourage questions (from both parents and students) and don’t mind answering them at all. I think Caiden will have a unique opportunity to learn more about disabilities and since he grew up with me, he won’t be as hesitant to ask questions. Chris was extremely open minded when he met me and it never crossed his mind that I was limited because of my inability to walk. So, we shall see…

“How will you take care of the baby when you husband is not home?”
I’ve helped raise 8 babies growing up. I know the mechanics of it and I loved doing it. I know what it takes and I know how to do it. However, siblings and offsprings are two different things! I think I will be more careful and loving with my own child…AND, I think my siblings turned out alright…for the most part! =) I know I can handle caring for my own son without assistance, especially the more time I have with him. I am not too worried. God hasn’t given me anything that I couldn’t handle before.

…I managed to do some laundry, clean the bathroom/toilets and organize Caiden’s closet. I am so on top of things (just don’t pay attention to the bedroom, living room, kitchen or office). Housework was never my thing. I’m just glad that Chris didn’t expect (or hope) that he was getting a “traditional” housewife. That does NOT embody the Korean that you all know and love. If left to my own devices, I think I would just work all the time. However, coming home to a loving and kind husband makes me want to be home with him.

Chris has really stepped up as far as being a good father. He always listens to my whining (which, lately, has been ALOT) and sympathizes with me. He is always willing to make me more comfortable and helpful around the house. We always talk about what we think Caiden will look like, what he might be interested in and what he will want to be when he grows up. He is a patient listener and I think that has been one of the most important things he’s done for me throughout this pregnancy. I worry (still) about finances, how I am going to be a good mommy, or how I am going to combat other people’s opinions on how I choose to raise our baby. Chris just listens and consoles and encourages. I love this man. =)

He is already a great husband. He has always supported my goals and my wacky ideas. He has never criticized how I want to live my life or how I go about doing things (unless they are really absurd and unrealistic). I love that I can just do my thing and he will always be there to hold my hand (if needs be) or push me in the right direction without being blatantly obvious about it.

I think people just assume that our relationship was a match made in heaven. It has taken us a while to get to this point. We’ve had issues with acceptance from family members, other people’s doubts that we could make it work despite the odds against us (what odds, you ask…not really sure…but apparently there were odds). Mind you, we’ve been together for almost a decade. We’ve had ten years to tweak our relationship to get to the point where it is now. We’ve had our fights (and still do) and we still disagree on many things. I think the difference between then and now is, we know what each other will say, act or think and so we just compromise (most of the time) or completely let it go if it isn’t worth fighting about. The good thing about arguing with me is…well, I just completely forget why I’m upset to begin with. So I huff and puff and “flounce”…until he finally asks, “do you even remember why you are mad? You don’t, do you? ” (cue the annoying “I’m right” grin). Argument resolved…no wait…postponed…until I finally remember what we were arguing about…! =P

I know Chris had his doubts before he made up his mind to marry me. There are things you have to really, truly and honestly HAVE to consider before you commit as much as he has. Being married to someone with a disability is going to be tough. I know it was an easy decision for me. But for him, it was difficult. Apparently, I was worth it (well, I’ve ALWAYS known that!). =)

I’m actually surprised at how mobile I still am at this stage of the pregnancy. Looking back on when I first found out I was having a baby, I thought I’d be on bed rest by now (knock on wood). It’s not to say that I won’t in a few weeks, but I’m remaining optimistic. My doctor doesn’t seem to think that would even be a possibility. She wants me to remain as active as I can…so, active I shall be! Seriously…you should see me shooting through the halls at work (gotta get to my classes on time, shins and toes beware!).

There are times when I think…there is NO WAY I am going to be able to get into my wheelchair from the floor…then other times, I just do it without thinking. So..the key is to NOT think about it and just do it! I think that’s just good advice all around…man, I’m good. I should write a book! =P

I am finding different ways of doing things that were second nature to me. For instance…getting into bed isn’t as easy as it used to be. The wheelchair is solid, and has a metal frame that I can bear (bare?) weight on. The bed, however, is soft and bouncy. One small misstep…and I’m catapulted back onto the starting point (floor). Well, a little exaggerated, but none the less frustrating. Now I just get on my knees and hoist myself up with my upper body (see? Active..!). There aren’t HUGE changes like I thought there would be, but it’s the little things I tend to sweat about.

It also worked out better because my allergies became a cold! UGH!!! Probably why you hadn’t seen a post in awhile! After talking with the doctor (yaaay, another copay), over the counter meds were fine for relieving the pain. Sigh…I could have googled that.

However, the Friday baby appointment went well! I was hooked up to a belly monitor (that’s my official name for it), and we got to listen to his heartbeat and keep track of his movements. The doctor said everything was perfect!

32 weeks….so really, I have less than 8 weeks to get everything together and ready for maternity leave. I am so stressed! I don’t know how other teachers have done this! But I’m hammering the lesson plans and assignments slowly but surely. It’s a little more difficult than I thought because I never know how the pacing will go. But, it’s one of those things that will come together at the 11th hour. Have I mentioned that I’m a procrastinator??? A professional one at that!

Alright…time for bed. I’m STILL coughing, but at least not as congested as I was last week. The cold is slowly subsiding and I feel human-ish. I still can’t feel my legs…and I’m still not able to walk…but all in good time, my friends…all in good time!

On Saturday I had a bizarre dream. I dreamt that my teeth kept coming loose and then falling out…I’m gathering them in my hands. My first instinct and action was to look for my mom and ask her what I should do about it. She always knew what to do when weird and strange things happened. I looked for her the entire dream and never found her. I woke up sad. =( I know it doesn’t change things no matter how much I say it, but I miss her. Sometimes I just don’t think it’s fair that she left so soon. But God has his plans, and wishful thinking isn’t going to raise my son.

My sweet husband constantly reminds me that my mom and dad are looking down from heaven and watching over me and my family. I know they are. Then I realize that I have so much that I can share with Caiden. They will continue to live on through memories I share with him.

Tomorrow begins my weekly adventures with my OB until I meet my little guy! The doctor said that they will be doing more tests to see how far along he is, and to monitor progress as he gets ready for D-Day! I’m excited but nervous! Me…a mommy! Chris…a father…! GASP…! =) It will be exciting! Pray that he stays put until he’s completely ready!

BTW…for the curious…
Sydney keeps losing her footing on my ever so shrinking lap…but she is stubborn and is NOT going to lose her place! Wish her luck!