She's finally here!!!

We would like to introduce all of you to our new baby daughter, Siobhan Erandathi Chandrasekara. Before you ask Siobhan is pronounced 'Sha-vahn' and is Irish while Erandathi is pronounced 'Erun-dhathi' and is Sinhalese.

She was born on Friday July 16th, at 6:55pm. She weighed 7lb 10oz and was 20inches long.

The entire family is sleepless but doing well.

It's go time!!!

Sabrina's water broke late last night. She called the hospital and they told her to come in this morning. When we got here the doctor confirmed that it was in fact her water breaking and she was admitted. She tried to tough it out but the back pain became unbearable and she asked for the epidural. Now she's feeling comfortable. Better living through chemistry. Still she is confined to the bed.

Button Update

As you can see, Button's due date has come and passed. She is really showing her Mexican and Sri Lankan genes in being 'fashionably' late.

Last night I had two contractions within one hour with each lasting 20-30 seconds each, but not much since then. Other than the contractions, I am still feeling pretty good.
More updates as things progress...

Button's Doctor Visit - 40 Weeks

Technically, Button's due date is tomorrow, July 13th. As of yet, I haven't really felt too many contractions or other signs of labor. The good news is that Button is still measuring normal with 40 centimeters and her heart rate was a bit lowers in the 130s, which is still good.

During this appointment, I decided to have the cervix exam. The doctor said had I not wanted to have one, she would have highly recommended it considering I hadn't had any in the prior visit. Come to find out, I am 3 centimeters dilated and 70% effaced. Although this doesn't tell us much as to when we can expect to deliver Button, we are at least making some progress!

In talking with the doctor, we had the option of waiting another 2 weeks (to 42 weeks) or we could induce labor. After weighing the pros and cons of both options, we've decided that if Button doesn't arrive naturally by Sunday night (7/18), we will induce on Monday morning. We are hoping she decides to make her grand entrance on her own in the coming days!

Button's Room

Thanks Tio Indy

for the rocking glider

Thanks Tia Lisa

for the bedding set

Thanks to everyone

for all my other gifts,

especially my cute outfits!

With a touch of

love from daddy...

Button's room!

Ninth Month Update

In a few days/weeks our little girl will be born! This really has been a smooth and easy pregnancy. With that said, I only hope that this continues through delivery! Damith laughs at me because I actually sometimes forget I am pregnant; but then Button is definitely our baby because she will very politely remind me with a tiny jab in the ribs or side.

In mid-June we attended the one day Bare Basic Birthing class at the hospital. We decided that we'd rather give up one Sunday for the class instead of four consecutive Sundays. At times it was a bit of information overload, but as with the other courses, very informative. We learned various breathing techniques and actually have practiced a few times at home, especially with my having more contractions in the last few days. Although we'd taken the birthing center tour before, this version was a bit more practical as the instructor showed us various techniques we could use during delivery; some of which I think I'd like to use. Of course who knows what will really happen in the delivery room!

Around the same time, I thought I felt my first contraction. I was in a meeting at work when I felt my back tense and then the sensation move towards my abdomen. At that moment it seemed to last forever, but in reality it was probably no more than five seconds. When we saw the doctor the following week she agreed that it probably was a contraction and that they would only continue. I didn't really feel anymore until this 4th of July weekend. Even then, I wasn't sure if they were 'real' contractions because I didn't always have the back pain, but my abdomen would tighten. Damith says it is because I didn't stay off my feet and rest as much as he would have liked, but I just couldn't when there was stuff to do. How could I organize a weekend of fun activities and not be involved!?

As we continued to receive gifts for a few weeks after the baby shower, I decided to hold off on washing her new stuff. A few weekends ago, I decided it was time to sort her clothing and bedding to wash, I couldn't believe how many tags are assembled on baby items! You'd think that since they are such small items, that they would only need one, possibly two tags. I quickly realized how mistaken I was! For items that were bundled (3 outfits together), there was a tag for the price, another stating the brand, and then two more linking the outfits together. Then for those outfits that had tops and bottoms, there was an additional tag! Once all the tags were removed, I was surprised by all the stuff she had and that the majority was for 0-3 months. I guess it only makes sense considering in three to four months it will be cooler and right now the stores don't really have any fall/winter items. We'll just have to take her out for her first shopping trip in September/October!

Now that all her stuff is washed, her room is finally completed and our bag for the hospital is packed and ready. We are excited to meet her and bring her home!

Button's Doctor Visit - 39 Weeks

Button is measuring 39 centimeters and steady heartbeat in the 150s.

With all the activities of the 4th of July weekend, I started feeling more contractions. However, I wasn't sure if they were 'real' or still Braxton Hicks because I didn't have the back pain that is suppose to be associated with real contractions. On top of that, the pelvic pain has gotten a bit worse. I discussed this with the doctor at today's visit and with the combination of these two, she thinks that they were indeed real contractions, which is a good sign.

The doctor let us know that they do not allow their patients to go past 42 weeks of pregnancy as with each additional week over 40 carries complications for both the mom and the baby. If the baby doesn't deliver naturally by then, they will induce labor. If we go into 41 weeks, but then there are additional tests (ultrasound, stress test, etc). If we decide on inducing, then the labor will be longer and more intense.

During the coming week, we need to decide if we want to wait and if so how long. If not, then we need to decide when we'd like to induce labor. We are hoping that Button heard the doctor and will come on her own!