More pics of Elijah!

Elijah's Birth

It was perfect! I could not have hoped for a better experience. I can't say I want to do it again any time soon, but it was well worth the precious gift received. So here's all the detail...

The doctor told me a few days before I went into labor that I was not dilating and I may have to be induced. To say that I freaked out would be an understatement. This was my worst fear and after all the walking I had been doing I was so disappointed. So I was sad for a day then I decided that it would be ok, I know God had a plan for this birth. So Thursday 9/9, a week before my induction date I woke to a few hard contractions. They stopped so I went to the gym, walked 3 miles but I felt a little off all day. I was not hungry and I just had a feeling that something was happening. I decided to go get acupuncture after my walk hoping that it may get things moving....and it did. At 5pm contractions started. Not little contractions, but hard need to breath through and bend over contractions. I was making Jerome a special dinner that night which I was determined to finish so I just cooked through the pain. I kept thinking "there is no way I am actually in labor right now". Jerome got home at 7pm and by then contractions were 7 minutes apart and getting stronger. At this point, I knew I was in labor. Our plan was to labor at home for as long as possible, so we ate dinner and Jerome cleaned the kitchen. Jerome was the best coach ever. He helped me try different positions, laying on the couch, the birth ball. I finally got in bed and just focused on breathing. At 11pm, we decided it was time to go since my contractions we 2-3 minutes apart. I don't even remember the drive to the hospital! We got to the hospital a little before midnight the nurse checked me and said "Wow you are already 7 cm dilated". I looked at Jerome and totally started crying. I guess I just could not believe this baby was actually coming! Jerome got on the phone and started calling everyone. Before I knew it everyone was there. It was awesome to have so much support. Melissa and Jerome walked the halls with me. Jerome helped to to remember to breath and through each contraction he massaged my back. An hour later I was at 8cm and got in the shower to relieve some pressure. When I got out I was having that feeling everyone says you have when its time to push, like you need to use the bathroom. I told Jerome to get the nurse. And sure enough, I was 10cm.

Crazy!! That moment was so exciting but so scary. The realization that we were about to meet our child was overwhelming. I think I finally asked for the epidural at this time, but did not end up getting it.With help from my Mom, sister, Jerome, Melissa and Jerome's Mom I pushed for an hour. Nothing can prepare you for the intense emotion you feel during this time. Extreme exhaustion, excitement, fear but the moment Elijah was out and they laid him on me, literally every thought and emotion left me. I was completely speechless, just looking at this little person. Finally they said It's a boy and I looked up at Jerome and saw a proud father looking down at his son. That was the best moment! After they stitched me all up, the rest of the family came in. My Dad, brother, sister Christine and Jerome's step mom Elizabeth. It was such a blessing to have everyone there as my Dad prayed over Elijah for the first time. It was an amazing experience and it feels even more amazing to be a Mom. Tomorrow Elijah will be 2 weeks old and its been a busy 2 weeks, filled with so many emotions. There have been some overwhelming moments but when I look at Elijah's little face all I feel is the most intense love. Thank you Lord for this gift!

40 WEEKS!!!

Baby Manos is due today September 5th!! We have finally reached week 40. Within a week (hopefully) I will be holding a little baby in my arms. I spent the morning celebrating my Mom's birthday. We went to brunch at Mimi's Cafe in Dublin and enjoyed some family time. Family time in the Edwards pack means someone is most likely being teased or being sarcastic. I think my brother was on the receiving end of the teasing today, but he was also dishing out the sarcasm as well. I am so proud of the Man he has become!! It seems like just yesterday when he was just that annoying little brother and now he is so mature and respectful and has been blessed with the sweetest woman in his life. Its a pleasure to spend time with both Justin and Christine! Although, I could do without the weird/scary iPhone pictures they have:) The sweet little hostess tried to seat us at a booth, and I took one look at it and said "Ummm I don't think I can get my belly in there, I will need a chair". Welcome to full term pregnancy!! This belly gets in the way of everything. Its really strange to even hug my hubby because there is a basketball in between us. I am feeling great and have been enjoying maternity leave. I have been walking every day and its been so awesome to be home to make dinner for Jerome. Normally I would not get home until 6:30 or 7pm, so its been a treat to spoil Jerome a bit before the baby arrives. After all the waiting I just can't believe the day has finally arrived. Its so hard to wait!! I just want to meet this little baby and kiss it all over. I am so thankful to have had such a great pregnancy. I never had any major issue and the baby is healthy! Now all I need is a quick and painless labor:)

Finally..The Nusery is done!

Yes, the nursery is finally done. It makes everything so real. Jerome did a wonderful job painting the room a light beige and putting the furniture together. We can't wait for the baby to get here and add some gender appropriate touches to the walls. The room is so relaxing and I am looking forward to sitting in the rocker with little Jordynn or Elijah and making lots of memories. Thanks to all for everything you have given us for the baby. From furniture to clothes to books and everything in between, Jerome and I can't believe how blessed we've been. You have all had a part in getting this little room ready and stocked full of the necessities. When we first found out we were having a baby I felt so overwhelmed thinking of everything we would need. It's amazing how God provides because we really got everything we needed from our loved ones.What a lesson in learning to trust God for the big and small things in life. I am praying that I learn each day to trust God in my ability to be a mother.

So I am 38 weeks, which means I have 2 weeks until my due date on September 5th. Crazy, time has flown by. I officially started my maternity leave today and had such a relaxing day. I slept in, went to the gym and walked, ran some errands. Once I got home I spent the rest of the day laying at the pool. It was so nice to just relax and not be staring at a computer or worrying about catching a BART train. Thank you Lord for this time. I am truly appreciating every moment of peace and quiet.

In other Manos family news, Chabot football has officially started. Great timing right, new baby and the crazy busy football season. Thankfully, I know we have such amazing friends and family so I will have lots of help. I am just sad because I know I won't be able to make it to every game this year. I am so proud of Jerome and all the hard work he puts into being the best coach he can be. I won't lie, I definitely get frustrated about the time commitment, but when I see Jerome out on the field it all goes away. God has given him such a gift in coaching and his ability to be an example to young men. There is nothing like watching your husband be used by God. Its like a gift that keeps being unwrapped as you realize the depth to which God is using you. I am so proud of you honey! If anyone wants to come cheer the Chabot Gladiators on with me, just let me know. Me and the baby would love your company!!

34 Weeks, 40 Days to go!

On Sunday we hit our 34 week mark and we only have 40 days to go until the due date. Hopefully the baby makes his or her debut on time or a little early. Here is a little info on what’s going on with the baby this week.

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

We have the room ready for the baby and we are finishing up our last few natural birth classes. I can't believe how far we have come over the last 8 months. I have felt so loved and taken care of by all of our family and friends. God is so amazing to put so many great people in our lives to support us through this time. God has really shown me ( and I am sure I will continue to learn) how to lean on others and be honest about what I am going through. Asking for help can be hard for me, but you all make it so easy. I absolutely can't wait to do some special things for everyone in our lives who have gone out of their way to be there for Jerome and I. We love you more than words can say!!!!