BabySanchez1: Pat and Maribeth's wedding

Labor & Delivery

Anthony Richard Sanchez, III; "Little Trooper," was born on his due date, September 23, 2007...right on schedule! Thanks to a head size of 14 ½ inches, he was born via c-section. I was set on an all-natural birth and labored for nearly 20 hours, unmedicated to 9 1/2 cm, when we finally accepted that he just wasn’t going to budge. He was sunny side-up and his head was stuck in my pelvis. The 'back labor' was excruciating, but Trooper, our doula and nurse, were amazing in helping ease the pain through each contraction. I seriously felt like I was being stabbed in the back repeatedly and wondered why somebody had not warned me in advance that this is how a contraction would feel like?!? I guess that's 'back labor' for ya!! Trooper rubbed my back, I walked the halls, performed squats, lunges and step-ups to open my pelvis...rocked back and forth on my hands and knees and stood in a hot shower to try to relieve the back pressure. I also kept my iPod plugged in most of the time, focusing on the music throughout the contractions. Trooper made a birthing play list for me, but the only two songs I listened to over and over, were Sarah McLachlan's 'Silence' re-mix and 'Snow', by The Red Hot Chili Peppers. These songs were hypnotic and helped me escape the discomfort. I tried to relax as much as possible between contractions, resting on my Grandmother's satin pillow case which felt incredibly soft and soothing...your senses are definitely heightened during labor. Little Trooper was in good condition throughout the labor and the decision to proceed with a c-section was before it became an emergent situation. Christee Offerdahl, our doctor, was incredible and we're so thankful she was there to deliver little Trooper, especially since it was a c-section. While I was being wheeled to the OR and between contractions, I managed to ask Christee to make the incision 'low and small!' Trooper got a good laugh out of that! Prepping me for the c-section didn't take long at all and Trooper was with me the entire time. He already had scrubs on since he was prepared to catch the baby if I had a vaginal birth. He took pictures as our baby was born and then stayed with him immediately after his birth and held him until he was in my arms which was only about 15 minutes. I'll never forget seeing little Troopers' adorable crying face and his little 'manhood', proving my suspicion that I was carrying a boy! We are absolutely crazy about him! He’s very alert and already has such a cute personality. We’re so in love with this little guy and just can’t hug and kiss him enough. What an amazing experience so far, and it's just the beginning! We are so blessed.

3rd Trimester Recap

Funny Fact: My bra size is larger than ever, but because my belly is so big, I actually thought I was shrinking!
Moment of Weakness: Going to the drive-thru at Krispy Kreme!
Proudest Moment: My belly photo shoot with Trooper and creating my belly cast. I'm very proud of carrying this little life inside of me for 9 months and love that I have photos and a cast to remember how my body changed while my baby grew inside of me!
Pregnancy Signs/Symptoms: Need help getting my shoes on and off.
Beauty Tip: Get ready for the big day with a little pampering..hair cut, manicure, pedicure, wax, etc. Afterall, you are going to a birthday party! :]
Health Tip: Wear support hose! Sure, they're uncomfortable and HOT in the summer, but they help with circulation and with the prevention of varicose veins.
Fitness Tip: 20-100 pelvic rocks per day to help alleviate low-back pain and keep the abs strong. Also, squats and full-body stretching to prepare for the birthing positions.
Nutrition Tip: Tropicana Orange Juice with Omega-3's.
Looking Forward To: Delivery day! I'm excited and nervous for the labor, but I also feel prepared for the big event. I even ordered a Binski' birthing outfit'.
Observations: The combination of the baby kicking like a wild animal and my back aching, I'm not sleeping very well at night, so feeling more tired during the day. I'm also 'nesting' a lot more!
Cravings: Besides my daily Chipotle fix, my treat is a sugar-free vanilla soy latte.
Travel: nothing out-of-state, just sticking close to home

2nd Trimester Recap

Funny Fact: I can't get enough tub time! I'm soaking in the tub for nearly an hour every night.
Moment of Weakness: Spending way too much time and money at Pea in the Pod!
Proudest Moment: Feeling our baby's first movements
Obvious Pregnancy Signs/Symptoms: My baby bump!
Beauty Tip: Sunscreen! Pregnant skin is very sensitive, so I use SPF 45 everyday. For a safe, sunny glow, I use sunless tanner.
Health Tip: 1-2 servings of fish per week; an excellent source of protein, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for our baby's development. I eat shrimp, scallops, salmon and occasionally, tuna.
Fitness Tip: Continue strength training! My energy is back and my workouts feel euphoric! I do a full-body circuit 3x per week and an outdoor workout with my Run the Rocks class, 1x per week. Other activities include hiking/walking, swimming and elliptical stepper.
Nutrition Tip: Stay hydrated! Ice, cold water has never tasted so refreshing!
Looking Forward To: Our next ultrasound
Observations: I feel great! I'm having a healthy pregnancy and staying very active and fit. I love knowing our baby is growing inside of me. Trooper and I look forward to every pre-natal appt. It's so fun hearing that beautiful heartbeat and looking at his/her tiny body on ultrasound.
Cravings: I crave protein and fat; nothing sweet! Still eating Mexican food daily, but also regularly craving seafood, especially shrimp scampi, scallops and salmon [oh, and with garlic mashed potatoes!].
Travel: Charleston, SC, Manhattan Beach, CA, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Chicago

1st Trimester Recap

Funny Fact: Took 6 pregnancy tests 'just to be sure!'
Moment of Weakness: Fish sandwich and biggie fries from Wendy's. ughh!! It was sooooo good, despite how really disgusting I think it is! haha
Proudest Moment: Seeing and hearing our baby's heartbeat for the first time.
Obvious Pregnancy Signs/Symptoms: FATIGUE!!! Sleeping for 10-12 hours every night and sometimes napping an hour or two during the day.
Beauty Tip: Rubbing Palmer's Cocoa Butter all over my body, morning and night!
Health Tip: Pre-Natal vitamin with DHA
Fitness Tip: Fresh air! Walking the trails around my house was my daily workout.
Nutrition Tip: When food didn't sound appetizing, I would drink a chocolate whey protein shake.
Looking Forward To: My belly popping out!
Observations: Early pregnancy symptoms mimicked severe PMS. Was surprised how tired I felt and how difficult it was to do simple daily activities, like take a shower! I simply had no energy!
Cravings: Mexican food...I ate an entire can of refried beans with salsa one night!
Travel: The Arnold in Columbus, OH