Ella to Receive Treatment

After a week in Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with lots tests and excellent care, doctors have determined that Ella Michele has a blood disorder that is affecting her liver.

To avoid any further damage to the liver and hopefully resolve the blood disorder, she is receiving intravenous treatments in the NICU for the next 5 to 7 days. Following the treatments her condition will need to be reassessed.

Thank you again for all your kind messages, well wishes, and prayers.

In the NICU

Thank you all so much for your Congratulations and Good Wishes. I was only in labor about 5 hours and had a beautiful natural delivery (no pain meds). Ella was born looking the picture of health, beautiful, pink and crying. However, shortly after birth during her initial exam, it was noticed that Ella's liver and spleen were enlarged. Thank goodness that we were at Children's Hospital because they took Ella immediately to the Neonatal IC Unit (NICU) where she has been as they try to find the reason why her liver and spleen appeared to be working to "fight off" something in her body.

The neonatal team is wonderful and they been testing for a number of things. So far everything has came back "negative" (which is good). Other tests can take as long as 10 days for the results to be known. It's been a difficult time, especially as we came home last night without Ella, but we're sure that they will find the answers soon. Please keep Ella Michele in your prayers.

The Birth Story

Early, 4am, on April 22nd my labor began with 'cramps' after I had gotten up use the bathroom. While laying in bed, I figured maybe that I should count how far apart they were and found them to be happening every 8-10 minutes. Around 4:30am or so, the 'cramps' began to increase in intensity and I was finding that I was having to get up and go to the bathroom with each one (I later found out that this was a sure sign of real labor). Therefore, I went downstairs so I would not disturb Todd with my constant getting up out of bed.

About that same time the 'cramps' were getting more uncomfortable and were starting to be every 3 to 5 minutes. Laying on the couch watching Opera on the DVR was just not distracting enough. In fact the only real comfortable position I could find was sitting on the edge of our coffee table. Starting to get a little concerned that they became so close together just within 45 minutes, I went upstairs and told Todd I was going to call Cindy, our Doula.

I called Cindy around 5:30am (I was trying to wait to let her sleep in a little bit) and described my contractions. She confirmed it was the real thing and to check back in with her in a half hour. Therefore, I reported back to Todd that this was it. He initially rolled over because he thought I was in phase one of labor which by the textbook would take a few hours. I did end up convincing him that he may want to get up now because I predicted we'd be on our way to the hospital - soon! I think he realized it was for real as I threw up!

About 6:15am I called Cindy back and we both decided that I should begin to head in to the hospital, especially because we did not want to get caught in rush hour traffic. Hence, I called the Midwives and alerted them that I was on my way in to Children's. It was about this point that I started to panic a little bit about making it to the hospital. Todd continued to prepare leave. Still thinking we had hours to go, he asked if there would be time to make coffee, take out the garbage, clean Maggie's litter, etc. I was trying to be patient, but at the same time wanted Todd to realize that we needed to get on our way. Thank goodness our bags we packed! We left for the hospital about 7:00am.

Still not realizing just what kind of labor I was experiencing, Todd parked in the ramp and we walked to the hospital where Cindy was waiting for us. When we arrived on the third floor, Sarah, one of our midwives, was there to examine me to make sure I was in real labor (standard procedure). Thankfully Todd and Cindy were there because it took both of them to help me to get in to my gown...as I was throwing up again.

I finally was able to get dressed and on the exam table where Sarah determined I was already 7 to 8 cm dilated and at that moment my water broke! This is when Sarah noticed meconium in the water and, therefore, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was alerted. I then announced that I felt as though I was going to pass out (which didn't sound all that bad to me!!). So they whisked me off to a birthing room so they could get me ready as well as get me on some saline. I was admitted at 7:55am.

I continued to have contractions and could only deal with them sitting on the edge of the hospital bed with both Cindy and Todd massaging my lower back. Of course, this did not make it easy for nurses to pick up the baby's heartbeat nor start my IV. They were trying all sorts of tricks (like using maxi pads to put more pressure on the sensor). Suddenly, Martha, another one of the midwives, was sitting on the edge of my bed telling me how she was just about to go for a jog. Well, come to find out later, that there was another woman about to have a baby at the same time, therefore, Sarah called in Martha for 'back up.'

As my contractions continued I picked a key hole as my focal point. Cindy was so good about getting me to some how relax through each one which made such a difference. However, right in the line of view of my focal point was the IV stand in which there was a bright yellow sticker reading 'Epidural Line Only.' Oh, how good an epidural would have felt at that time. But I just kept remembering that Pati, our Birthing Class instructor, said that if you could make it to 7 or 8cm you were past the worst part.

Since they still were having a hard time getting the baby's heart rate on the monitor and I was ready to push they told me to sit back. I just couldn't sit back so without skipping a beat I asked Martha (apparently very politely) if I could stand. And without hesitation she agreed! Cindy became my squatting bar, Todd went behind to continue to massage my back, and Martha set up on the floor.

Then the pushing began - which I thought was the hardest part. Just when I thought I had pushed the baby out Martha announced that she could feel the head - oi vey! So with a few more pushes the head came out and Martha suctioned the mouth. Then I pushed a couple more times and at 9:12am out came Baby Rassman. When I asked what it was I swear someone initially said, "It's a boy!" then said, "No, it's a girl!" I was in disbelief since so many people predicted that it was going to be a boy. Therefore, I had to look for myself! And low and behold it truly was a girl!

Martha then cut the cord so that the NICU nurses could examine the baby and I could pass the placenta. It was then that the nurses determined that the baby had a distended stomach. Therefore, they brought the baby to us so that we could hold, kiss, and take a couple pictures before they took her to the NICU. So much for our birth plan!

Soon after, Dr. Joy Pabalan, a fellow in the NICU came to our room asking us to sign a consent to give the baby a blood transfusion. This was NOT supposed to be happening! But all we could do is appreciate that she's in the best of hands and hope for the best!

The rest of the day was spent recovering, visiting the baby, moving rooms, visiting the baby, beginning to pump, and visiting the baby. Thankfully the nurses moved us to a room with two beds so that Todd could stay over as well.

And now we begin our time in the NICU...

Introducing Ella Michele

On Tuesday, April 22nd at 9:12am Baby Girl Rassman was born! She was 19 inches long and weighed 5 pounds 5.5 ounces. It was not until two days later that we decided upon the name Ella Michele!

Week 40

Today is April 21st - the officialy due date - and no baby yet! However, I followed through and took full advantage of my week off! On Tuesday I went for a maternity massage and facial at Excuria Salon. Wednesday I had my weekly midwife appointment. Everything checked out a-okay. Thursday I had my hair done and then Friday I finished the week of pampering with a pedicure!

On Friday and Saturday I took advantage of the beautiful weather (although it was a little too hot on Saturday) and sat outside and read The Happiest Baby on the Block while Todd was busy doing spring clean up. Since I couldn't really help out I was there for moral support as well as being the water girl. As far as the book, we'll see how well the soothing techniques work, but as of now I would HIGHLY recommend the book to any new parent or grandparent. We also watched The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD earlier in the week. It was very neat to see how well Dr. Karp can make his Five S's (swaddle, side/stomach, shush, swing, and suck) work!!!

Yesterday (Sunday) Todd and I took advantage of the weather and tried to walk the baby out by roaming around Akron Park. But apparently to no avail!

We'll keep you posted!!

Baby's Development (from Pregnancy.org)

• Much of the vernix has vanished but you will notice traces on her body.
• 15% of your child's body is fat. Since s/he hasn't learned to shiver yet, these fat stores will help regulate his/her temperature.
• Approximately 60 - 75 percent is water!
• Your baby's chest sticks out, almost as if s/he's ready to strut proudly over his accomplishment!
• His/her lungs will continue developing until birth. They are manufacturing large quantities of surfactant which works to keep the air sacs open.
• S/he continues to grow; his/her hair and nails longer as well. You may need to trim those fingernails soon after birth or protect his/her face from scratches with mittens.
• Small breast buds are present on both sexes.
• The baby now weighs 7.6 pounds (3462gm) and is 20.2 inches (51.2cm) long.
• Congratulations! Any day now you will be cradling your son or daughter! Cherish the moments and learn all you can about this new personality in your life. They go by all too fast!

(photo from Pregnancy.org)

Week 39

Whoa!! Plus or minus a week to go - depending on Baby Rassman's plan!! So I am three days into my next nine (if I go back to work in January) to seventeen months off (if I take leave all of next year). My plans for this week...today I did a bunch of returns as well as bought some more items off our registry. Tomorrow I have a facial and massage at Excuria Salon (thanks to gift certificates I received from Todd and Mom at Christmas). Tomorrow night Todd and I will be taking a tour of Women's and Children's Hospital Maternity Ward - maybe we should just bring our bag and camp out! Wednesday I have my 39 week midwife appointment. Thursday I scheduled a highlight and haircut figuring I won't be able to get away for more than two hours for the next couple months while I'm breastfeeding. Friday I will conclude my week of pampering with a pedicure (using a gift certificate Mom Rassman gifted to me at Christmas). I am really looking forward to spoiling myself as well as having this time to myself.

In the meantime, we completed our birthing class this past Saturday. It was a great class taught by Pati Matlock. We were originally supposed to attend on March 20th but it was snowed-out! However, I liked attending so close to our due date. I think it allowed us to relate on a different level. For the most part, a lot of it was a 'review' since I've already learned so much from speaking with our Doula, Cindy, seeing The Business of Being Born, listening to many of our friends' birthing experiences, and reading. It also confirmed our decision to hire a Doula. There were a couple times Todd said, "I'm glad we have Cindy so I don't have to remember every single thing she is saying." Or "Is this something Cindy will tell us when and how to do it?"

On a similar note, many people have asked if we are ready. So far our bags are just about packed thanks to a list April sent us of what they brought and used, what they could have used, and what they didn't need. Our Birthing Plan Wish List is printed out and copied and in the bag. The car seat base is installed in both cars and just needs to be inspected. And we have the directions to the hospital programmed in our GPS.

Another big question is if the nursery is ready. The nursery is not 100% complete but other than painting (which we will do when we paint the entire upstairs which will be hopefully sooner than later) we just need to hang the blackout curtains that I received today. We already have the valance, holdbacks, and the rod for the curtains. We are just waiting for the rod we will be using to hang the valance. Then the room will be "ready." Luckily, the baby really won't know the difference so that buys us some more time!

With the big day closing in is there anything else we should be getting ready? Any last minute advice?

Baby's Development (from Pregnancy.org)

• The lanugo has mostly disappeared, but you'll probably find a bit on his/her shoulders, arms and legs and in those protected little bodily creases. It will vanish completely on its own in time.
• His/her lungs are maturing and surfactant production is increasing and fully prepared to take on the outside world!
• Your baby doesn't have much room to move and certainly mom agrees! Did you imagine 8 months ago that this wee one would be able to hook a toe in your ribs while elbowing your bladder? S/he certainly has grown!
• His/her body continues laying on the fat stores that will help regulate his/her body temperature after birth. In addition to normal fat, s/he is accumulating a special "brown" fat in the nape of his/her neck, between his/her shoulders and around organs. Brown fat cells are important for thermogenesis (generating heat) during his/her first weeks.
• Your infant's weight is around 7.25 pounds and length is 19.9 inches.

(pictures from Pregnancy.org)

Week 38

Weight: 139 lbs. (+26 lbs)

Fundal height: 37 cm (should be between 37 and 39 cm)

Wow! What a week!!! It started with the birth of DJ and April's twins, Maya and Zachary, on Friday. Then my cousins, Alex and Wendy, threw me a wonderful shower on Saturday for my side of the family and friends. On Sunday we met with Cindy, our Doula, and her back up for the final time before labor day. Monday we took our breastfeeding class - we're all set to do the football hold if necessary! On Tuesday we bought a car - a 2004 VW Jetta - dark red with only 13,000 miles!! Wednesday I picked up the car and it was my 38 week midwife appointment. On Thursday my students surprised me with cute cards filled with advice as well as some baby gifts including a 'diaper cake' a parent in my class actually made (pictured to the left) that includes everything from diapers to blankets to onesies to pacifiers. Friday will be my last day of working - I think I'm ready!! And on Saturday we will finally be taking our Child Birth class. How's that for a week in the life of a pregnant lady?!?!

All in all I am still feeling quite well! I saw Elaine this week at my appointment and she thinks I have 'dropped' (although everyone has an opinion whether I really have or not). She also predicts that the baby is probably six pounds or so. Once labor begins I am to call the midwives when my contractions are 5 minutes apart and lasting for about 1 minute or if my water breaks. But just in case labor doesn't happen I have set up three more weeks of appointments - the last one being on my birthday - the first day of my 41st week. If need be and as long as the baby is still 'happy' we are prepared to wait up to two weeks after April 21st before inducing labor.

In the meantime, thanks to all of the wonderful gifts we have received, the nursery is almost 'set up.' The bedding is set up in the crib; the diapers, clothing, and blankets have been washed and folded and in the dresser; the bassinet is ready to go; the curtains and rods have been ordered and will hopefully be here next week so we can put them up; the glider has been ordered and should be here within another week or so; and the infant car seat has been installed. The hospital bag still need to be packed though!

Now what? I'm just looking forward to having hopefully a full week off to myself - looking to treat myself to a facial, pedicure, and haircut. Because as everyone is saying this is the last of my time to myself and ourselves!

Baby Development (from Pregnancy.org)

• If s/he is the "average baby," s/he weights 6.8 pounds and is 19.6 inches long.
• Have you noticed s/he hiccups a lot? Because there is no air around her, those breathing exercises cause amniotic fluid to get into her windpipe. The result? Hiccups! - I actually haven't experienced a lot of hiccuping!
• Your child's intestines are accumulating lots of meconium. Meconium takes on the role of being your baby's first bowel movement -- removing the waste that has accumulated.
• S/he may have a full head of hair now -- an inch or more long! Don't be surprised if it's an unexpected color. Some blond couples have dark haired babies; some dark haired couples have red-haired babies; some couples have babies with only peach fuzz! It may just persuade you to take a closer look at your family tree!
• Circumference of head and abdomen are about the same size for your baby. No wonder it's so hard to get a t-shirt over a newborn's head!

(pictures from Pregnancy.org)

Twinsie Pictures

When he's not snoozin', Deej is posting all pictures on their website. Go check it out...

More Twin Pictures

Here are some more pictures of DJ and April's twins to take a peek at...


Baby A is Zack and Baby B is Maya.



Oh SOOOOO cute and cuddly!!!!

The Twins Have Been Born

Introducing my niece and nephew...

Maya Helen Saks Radder

4 pounds 15 ounces

Zachary Alexander Saks Radder
5 pounds 4 ounces

Born about 12:45pm today!!!

Mama, Papa, and babies are doing well!!!

Week 37

Weight: 136.25 lbs. (+23.25 lbs)
Fundal height: 36 cm (determined by measuring from the top of the pubic bone the top of the uterus (called the fundus) which is quite a bit above the belly button right now)

Yikes...time is catching up with me!! I never did get around to writing more last week and now it's Thursday of this week!

The biggest news is that I will be an aunt as of tomorrow evening!!!! That's right, April is going in for a c-section as of noon California time. April had some lab work done today and there were some preliminary signs of preeclampsia (pregnancy high blood pressure) and since April is full term tomorrow her doctor thought it would be better they come out this week rather than next week. According to April - she is ready!!!

Other exciting news is that Alysia is home from India!! She flew in late Saturday night! We had Sunday dinner at our house so Mom, John, and Alysia could see the nursery (I promise I'll get some pictures up - although it's still not all that exciting).

Me, well I've been consumed with writing sub plans and getting ready for the parent conferences I had to do today and tomorrow, visiting our pediatrician, going to my weekly midwife appointment, washing diapers, and fighting one stuffy nose.

Monday was my last Pilates class and was I glad. All of a sudden it became difficult and uncomfortable to do the moves.

On Tuesday we met with Dr. Roehmholdt of Town & Village Pediatrics. She talked with us for a little bit and gave us a tour of the office. She informed us that since I am 37 weeks, I am considered full term! Any way, we decided we'd start with this practice and if it doesn't work we can always change.

Wednesday was my midwife appointment. Luckily, nothing too exciting this week (that's good, right?). I only gained a quarter pound this week which Sarah said is good because it means I am not retaining water. I then filled out the paperwork necessary for admittance to Children's Hospital.

Finally, getting ready and excited for the shower my cousins, Alex and Wendy, are throwing for me on Saturday!

Until next week...


Baby's Development (from Pregnancy.org)

• This week, the average size is about 6.3 pounds (2859gm) now and 19.1 inches (48.6cm) length.
• S/he is official full term now but can still benefit from extra days in the womb.
• Your baby continues to practice breathing movements. Isn't it amazing how s/he can breathe "under water?"
• Grasp is firm now. It won't be long until you'll feel that strong little fist confidently grasping your finger (or tightly clenching your hair)!
• A few weeks ago, your baby would move his/her eyes toward light. Now s/he turns towards light outside the uterus.
• As the uterine wall stretches and thins allowing more light to permeate, s/he develops definite daily activity cycles. You will want to be sure to establish good patterns yourself at this time, thus encouraging them in your child. Ever heard of a baby getting his days/nights mixed up? Now's the time to try to avoid that!

(pictures from pregnancy.org)