Aria's Birth

Aria's due date, March 5th, passed without event.

Days went by without any changes, and our doctor scheduled us for an appointment to induce labor on the morning of March 10th. My delivery with Alexandra was induced with pitocin, and I wasn't excited to repeat that experience, so I hoped that I'd go into labor naturally.

Around 1am that morning, I started feeling regular contractions. By the time Steve and I showed up at the hospital at 8am, contractions were pretty painful, and I knew that I was close to delivering our baby. The nurse checked, and told us that I was 6 centimeters dilated (over halfway there). To help labor along, the nurse recommended a low dose of pitocin via an IV. She asked if I wanted an epidural for the pain. After a moment of consideration, I said no. No epidural. The pain was bad, but I figured if I could do it with my two previous births, I could do it again.

Soon after receiving the pitocin, contractions came faster and stronger. Around 11am, I was asking (probably yelling, actually) if I could start pushing. When you say this to the nurse, a flurry of activity is set in motion. The doctor and aides jumped into action, setting up all their medical gear, breaking my water, and finally saying, "Okay, go for it...start pushing!"

Side note: our actual doctor was running late, and so a different doctor did the delivery. That happened with ALL three of our births.

I pushed with each of the next 3-4 contractions, and Aria came out. Healthy, calm, and alert. Steve cut her umbilical cord. She was wiped down, and wrapped up in a blanket, and handed to me.

Oh, the joy and relief and burst of love at meeting our daughter!

Her name, Aria, means "lioness," in Hebrew, and "air" in Italian (also used as a musical term for an operatic solo). A blend of strength, beauty, and nurturing. All our children have Chinese middle names, and Aria's is Li Mei, meaning "strength and beauty."

This third delivery was just as painful as my others. I fantasized about the baby just slipping out without much effort, but alas, that was not my experience. Contractions, pushing, and an episiotomy were all really rough. But in the end, I had another un-complicated, non-pain-medicated, healthy delivery, so count me grateful.

In this first week since Aria's arrival, we've had an influx of friends and family (namely, Steve's mother, who is the BEST), around to help with meals and other practical needs.

We are enamored with Aria. Aaron and Alex are adjusting to having a newborn sister - with some grace and some turmoil. Steve and I are living on less sleep and figuring out how to parent "zone defense" style.

Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo

A strange ritual of sorts has emerged for me during late pregnancy.

It's not the ritual of freaking out about how messy our house is, and we urgently need to clean and unclutter (though that happens). It's not the ritual of cramming our infant car seat into the car, and cursing because "why are these things so damn difficult to install?" (thankfully Steve is our resident car seat installation expert).

I'm talking about the weird ritual of cooking gumbo. Every time I'm in the last month of pregnancy, I have the urge and instinct to make a huge pot of gumbo. A week before I had my firstborn Aaron, I made gumbo that served as our final meals before going into labor. I also had the foresight to freeze batches for later, when we were in the throes of caring for a newborn. Later, when Alex's arrival was imminent, I did the same thing. Here I am with our third child on the way, with a newly made stock pot of gumbo sitting in the fridge.

Gumbo takes a lot of time and love. Maybe that's a metaphor for us preparing to welcome a new baby into the family. I dunno, my brain is fried these days. Anyway, gumbo. It's a long, slow process of chopping, searing, roux-stirring, and simmering. You can't rush it, so it becomes a practice in slowing and meditating. But oh how the result is worth the work.

This gumbo is rich in flavor, owing its deliciousness to the dark roux and perfect Creole spice blend. I've made this with various meat combinations, including shrimp or other seafood. But I think I like the simplicity of chicken and sausage best.

Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo (adapted from Emeril Lagasse)

print this recipe

1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 pound smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), cut crosswise in 1/2-inch pieces
4 pounds chicken boneless and skinless thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chopped onions
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped bell peppers
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
3 bay leaves
6 cups chicken stock
1 28-ounce can stewed tomatoes, drained
2 cups frozen sliced okra
1/2 cup green onions
1 tablespoon file powder (optional)
White rice
Hot sauce

In a large cast iron Dutch oven or stock pot, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage, and cook until well browned, about 8 minutes. Remove sausage and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

Season chicken with Creole seasoning and add in batches in the oil remaining in the pot. Cook over medium-high heat until well browned, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken, let cool in a bowl, and refrigerate until ready to use.

Combine the remaining 1/2 cup of oil and the flour in the pot over medium heat. Cook, stirring slowly and constantly for 20-25 minutes to make a dark brown roux (the color of chocolate).

Add onions, celery, bell peppers, and garlic, and cook, stirring until wilted, about 4-5 minutes. Add the sausage, salt, cayenne, and bay leaves. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Stirring slowly add the chicken stock, and cook until well combined. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally for 1 hour.

Add chicken, tomatoes, and okra to the pot, and simmer for 1-1/2 hours, skimming off any fat that rises to the surface.

Stir in file powder and green onions. Serve over rice, with hot sauce as needed. Makes 6-8 servings.

Thoughts at 34 Weeks Pregnant

Today I invite you into the mind of a woman in her third trimester of pregnancy. 

1. I can't remember the last time I saw my feet or bellybutton.
2. I have decided that chocolate cookies and coffee count as a reasonable breakfast. 
3. It's 9:30am, so I think I'll take a nap now.
4. Do I have to pee again? I swear I just went 10 minutes ago.
5. Ow, for someone so tiny this unborn baby can really jab my ribs. 
6. At what point do I get to drive one of those motorized carts at the grocery store?
7. There goes another shirt that doesn't fit. Whatever. Nothing goes with my zombie eyes and walrus waddle anyway.  
8. If anyone tells me, "This will be your third? Wow, you'll have your hands full!" I. WILL. CUT. THEM.
9. The worst part of my day: every time I have to bend down to pick something up off the floor.
10. This third birth should be easy, right? RIGHT?
11. Okay, I definitely have to pee again.

What to Expect When You're Expecting Again

After being pregnant once, each subsequent pregnancy is a completely different experience than the first.

The first pregnancy is the Honeymoon. You are a human-creating Goddess. Everything is new and beautiful. Even the uncomfortable moments like morning sickness are nature's pleasant reminder of the miracle growing inside you. Strangers look at your belly adoringly, and comment how lovely you look. Second (or third or fourth) pregnancy has lost the romantic novelty factor. You don't glow anymore...you're just crazy tired because you're waddling around, taking care of your firstborn. Strangers give you pitying glances at your stomach in the grocery store as you try to console a crying toddler. 

I'm currently in the second trimester of a third pregnancy. Which means that I have done extensive research on the differences between first and additional pregnancies. Here are a few things to expect when you're expecting again:

Eating:

First pregnancy - You take notes when your O.B. runs through the list of pregnancy dietary rules, and obey them with vigor. No sushi, no alcohol, no soft cheese. You up your intake of folic acid and omega-3, and dutifully take your daily prenatal vitamin. Only the best nutrients for your little fetus. 

Second pregnancy - You realize that 9 months is way too long to abide by all those nit-picky eating rules. You eat some raw fish and have a few sips of wine, and feel free to not go crazy about the outside possibility of contracting a food-borne disease. If you're lucky, you remember to take a prenatal vitamin once a week. Mostly, you just hope that your baby can glean enough nutrients from ramen noodles and ice cream, because that's all you can stomach.

Shopping for Baby Stuff:

First pregnancy - There's a whole world of new things to get for your new baby. And people are excited to give them to you. So you spend hours upon hours researching the best strollers, carseats, and baby carriers out there. You create a baby registry, and get to open loads of cute baby stuff at your shower. 

Second pregnancy - No big baby showers. You have most of the stuff you need, albeit used versions with pasta sauce stains. All you really need at this point is to wipe down the high chair, and buy some new pacifiers because the old ones are in some sandy crevice in the car. Second baby has to be content with hand-me-downs. It'll build character, right?

Body Changes:

First pregnancy - Every change is an exciting milestone. You take photos of your growing belly each week. When you finally have enough of a bump to buy maternity clothes around week 20, you go on a special shopping trip with your girlfriends. People encourage you to rest and nap as much as possible; you happily comply. Your husband offers to give you massages and get you your favorite ice cream at your whim. 

Second pregnancy - Your stomach is so huge by the end of your first trimester, people think you're about to go into labor. You forget to take belly photos until maybe halfway through the pregnancy. But by then you don't feel beautiful; you feel huge and bloated, and you don't want to document your chubby face and butt. No naps for you, because you have a young kid to tend to. You pass out around 8pm every night from sheer exhaustion.

Birth Preparation:

First pregnancy - You research the birthing process extensively, reading every book and website possible. You watch videos on the Bradley method, write up a very detailed birthing plan, and discuss said plan with your O.B. Hospital bags are packed and doula services are procured months in advance.

Second pregnancy - Your water breaks before you even have a chance to think about the baby's birth. You and your husband scurry around at the last minute, getting someone to babysit your older child, and installing the carseat at the hospital.

General Emotions:

First Pregnancy - Every single milestone is exciting and momentous. You're anxious about being a first-time parent. Joy and anticipation are shared between you and your spouse. You feel overwhelmed with love for your baby.

Second pregnancy - Each milestone is barely noticed. You're so uncomfortable, you wonder if you can even make it to the end. You're anxious about being a parent of multiple children. Joy and anticipation are shared between you, your spouse, and your kid. You feel overwhelmed with love for your baby (again). 

We're Expecting Baby #3!

Our family will be growing by one more! A baby boy should be arriving in March 2015.

We're all excited. Aaron is the most thrilled, especially after praying every single night for at least 6 months for a baby brother.

I just passed the first trimester, and for anyone keeping record, this third pregnancy is rough times. I've been constantly nauseous and tired, way more than I ever experienced with the first two pregnancies. The baby's due date feels like a marathon finish line that's 20 miles away. Hopefully I'll reach that pleasant second trimester upswing soon.

We're in a new home, new city, and now with a new baby on the way. Why not, right? Can't wait to meet our baby boy!

Alexandra's Birth

On the morning of Tuesday, August 7th, I was rudely awakened at 5:48am by my water breaking. This came as a surprise, since our due date was still over three weeks away.

We called the doctor, who told us, “Okay, pack your bags and come straight to the hospital.” In a flurry, we packed our things, ate a quick breakfast (I gobbled up cereal, cherries, and a leftover slice of cold pizza, thinking that this might be the only meal to get me through labor), and phoned my parents who were on call to take care of Aaron. Steve dropped me off at the hospital and took Aaron to my parents’ place.

After checking into the hospital, and having Steve rejoin me, I was told that since I wasn’t having any contractions yet, we could wait for up to six hours after the water breaking for contractions to begin on their own. At the six hour mark, I would be given Pitocin (a synthetic form of the naturally occurring hormone, oxytocin) to induce labor, since waiting any longer would heighten risk of infection and other complications. Since I wanted to have a natural, non-medicated birth again, I hoped that contractions would start without having to receive the Pitocin.

So we waited. We also decided on her middle name. The hours went by, and no contractions.

At noon, I was hooked up to an IV, and given a low dose of Pitocin. Contractions started slowly and infrequently. Every thirty minutes, the Pitocin dose was increased. We watched an episode of Hoarders (which I’ll now and forever associate with pelvic pain). Around 4:00pm, contractions began to come every 2 minutes, and were incredibly intense (more than with Aaron’s birth; most likely because of the Pitocin). Through each contraction, I took deep breaths, and mentally went into focus mode, just trying to get to the next one. I was nearly at the point yelling for them to give me an epidural, when I started to feel the urge to push. I think I may have shouted something incoherent at that point.

Suddenly, everything was in high gear. Several nurses and doctors appeared, the bed was adjusted, Steve was instructed to help by holding one of my legs (probably more for my own sense of moral support than any practical purpose).

A nurse called our doctor on the phone, telling her it was Go Time. Then I heard the nurse on the phone say, “Oh, you’re 20 minutes away?” Um...yeah. Our doctor, who was supposed to be the one delivering our baby was out running errands. My inner voice told me, “You DID NOT just hear that.”

I vaguely recall having one of the other doctors tell me, “It’s okay, we’re here...just push.” So that’s what I did. I pushed through about four contractions. There was primal screaming and burning pain (again, more than with Aaron’s birth).

Then, after 12 minutes of pushing with every ounce of effort I had, someone told me, “Look down, Larissa!” And there she was, our little baby daughter. She was purplish, cheesy, frail, and completely perfect.

Alexandra Li Wan (Chinese for strength and grace) Marks was born at 5:42pm, about 12 hours after my water broke. She was a small 4 lbs. 13 oz. and 18 ½ inches long. Living up to her Chinese middle name, she is strong and healthy. We got to bring her home about 24 hours after her birth.

Compared to Aaron’s delivery, this second one was a little more difficult. Even though she was smaller, the Pitocin made labor more painful. But my own recovery has been way easier this time; I didn’t need any stitches like with my first birth. After about a day of dull pain, I felt pretty much back to normal.

Several days later, we are all resting and enjoying our new addition. She’s eating and sleeping a lot like a typical newborn. Aaron is a great older brother, and loves to hold and kiss his sister.

Throughout Alexandra’s birth, I was keenly aware of all the hope, prayer, and waiting that preceded her arrival. We had two miscarriages before she was conceived, making this healthy, beautiful baby an incredible miracle. For that, we are so thankful.

Hello, Alexandra!

Say hello to the newest addition to our family, Alexandra Li Wan Marks!

She arrived at about 5:45pm on Tuesday, August 7th, 2012 - nearly a month ahead of her due date. She's a tiny little thing, entering the world at 4 lbs. and 13 oz., but strong and healthy enough to come home with us just one day after her birth. We are overjoyed to welcome her into our lives!

More on her birth story to come later, but until then, here are some photos...

 Our growing family.

Aaron holds his sister for the first time.

 These are the smallest clothes we had for her.

Worn out after her first full day of existence.

 I cannot get over how wonderful this little person is!

Baby #2 Pregnancy Developments - Week 33

At some point every day, I want to scream, "How am I only at 33 weeks in this pregnancy? Can I please have this baby already?!"

I am heavier now than I was at the end of my first pregnancy, and boy does my body feel it. My new gait has been dubbed The Clumsy Hippopotamus. I constantly bump into chairs, counters, and my son ("Oops, sorry kid, my belly just bonked your face!"). At night, I play the fun game of trying to discover what sleeping position won't result in a sore back and numb legs. My tossing, turning and grunting is very sexy, I'm sure.

Recently, I began experiencing round ligament pain in my abdomen area, which is common during pregnancy. After checking with Dr. Google about the best forms of pain relief, I have been assured that the most effective treatments are decreased physical activity and asking others for help, two things I absolutely hate doing.

Even random strangers, who I cannot fault, have taken note. "When are you due?" asks the cashier lady in the grocery store. When I tell her that my due date is in a month and a half, she gives me a sympathetic look, and proceeds to tell me that her sister is about the same size as me, and due ANY DAY NOW. Hooray for your sister.

Meanwhile, our family is preparing for the new baby's arrival. We are stocking up on diapers, making lists of things to pack for the hospital, and visiting with our new OB and pediatrician. At night, Aaron's new favorite bedtime story is "The New Baby at Your House," which highlights the changes a young child can expect when a new sibling is born. It was published in 1985, and transports you back to a time when kids had bowl haircuts and their fathers had bushy mustaches.

Soon we'll be jumping back into the adventurous Infant Stage, which I vaguely recall as being characterized by more tears (some shed by the baby), less sleep, and way less showering. Oh, and a cute, tiny baby who makes all this totally worth it.

Baby #2 Pregnancy: 27 Weeks

The second trimester is coming to a close!

Baby Alexandra makes her presence known by squirming and kicking me in the gut constantly. I think she may turn out to be a soccer player. Several nights ago, I felt her hiccuping for the first time (one of my favorite moments of pregnancy!).

My back and sides hurt, with all the extra weight I'm carrying around. Stretching, massages, and frequently changing positions help to relieve the pain. I'm trying to stay active, even though my instinct is to just lounge on the couch. My usual exercise is 30 minutes of stationary biking a few times a week, with some push ups and bicep curls thrown in for good measure. The other day I did Zoomba for the first time; it was fun, but I'm certain that I looked ridiculous!

I have also been trying to eat healthy food, and detox from eating like crap during the first trimester. Luckily, fresh California produce is abundant right now. Strawberries, peaches, grapes...yum!

Since baby Alex will be born in Hawaii, we need to find ourselves a new doctor and hospital. It also means that we are going minimalist with baby gear and clothes. This little girl is going to live the simple, beach life for her first few months.

Hopefully this second pregnancy and delivery will be just as complication-free as our first.

We can't wait to meet you, little girl!

In Baby News

We are officially having a little GIRL!

The doctor gave us the good news on Friday as he conducted our mid-pregnancy ultrasound. Just like I do during every ultrasound appointment I cried. That's not necessarily saying a whole lot, since I cry during iPad commercials. But my tears at the news of our daughter came out of a deep sense of joy. Since the doctor's appointment, I have been just so excited as I consider what it will be like to welcome a girl into our family.

My relationship with my own mother is incredibly special to me, and significant in who I am as a woman. I want an opportunity to have that with my own daughter. I want a daughter to nurture and raise and develop into a woman. I want to teach her how to be a person of strength, justice, and compassion. Also, I want to do fun mother-daughter things like style her hair, talk about boys, and show her how to be a master chef.

Our little unborn daughter already has a name: Alexandra, which means "defender of men." We chose the name because it captures both beauty and strength. Plus, Alex is such a cool, feisty nickname.

We can't wait for our lovely Alex to arrive in late-August!

Beauty

Yesterday I spent several hours exploring The Getty, one of my favorite places in Los Angeles. One of the exhibits was of the photography of Herb Ritts, an artist who revolutionized fashion photography and re-imagined the human body in the 1980's. I was immediately drawn to his iconic images, and experienced a moment of clarity that occurs when art speaks to one's heart and soul.

For the last several weeks, my body has transformed drastically. My 18-week baby belly has expanded dramatically, along with other parts of my body. Every morning, as I get dressed, I sigh to myself and wonder what clothes will and won't fit. With the added weight, it is hard to move around as energetically as I am used to, and the result is that I feel sluggish and well, unattractive. During my first pregnancy, I felt beautiful most of the time, even in the truly uncomfortable last few weeks. But somehow, this time feels different. Maybe it's because I'm a bit older. Or because the weight gain has been more rapid the second time around. I have wrestled with my own understanding of beauty lately, wondering how beauty intersects with the reality of the physical changes that I am experiencing with pregnancy.

As I walked through the Ritts exhibit, I was surrounded by incredibly beautiful and sensual images. Ritts' work was mostly in the celebrity and fashion world, so many of the faces and bodies were recognizable, from Madonna, to Naomi Campbell, to Richard Gere. Yet rather than typical portraits, most of the photographs captured the subjects in ways that highlighted and celebrated their unique features. One photo was of an Italian model with particularly strong facial elements, including a noticeably large nose. She was posed looking sideways, creating a striking silhouette that demanded attention toward her distinctive features. Other photos gave similar prominence to a runner's massive thigh muscles, and an actor's haunting eyes, and a model's crooked teeth.

I couldn't help but consider my own physical features, and wonder if I am beautiful not despite but because of them. It is beautiful to be pregnant. It is beautiful to have a growing baby in my body. It is beautiful to be a mother.

This morning, instead of looking in the mirror with anxiety and dread, I saw beauty.

Pregnancy #2 Developments - Week 15

We're at week 15 of this pregnancy, and in the second trimester...hurray!

The last few weeks were characterized by fatigue and nausea, but now I'm feeling a lot better. I also went through a crazy growth spurt, eating EVERYTHING in sight. For a while, I really craved burgers, Mexican food, anything with bread or cheese. Now my diet seems to be back to normal, which is a relief.

My belly has popped out, and I am already having to move up in jeans sizes. Thank God for drawstring yoga pants. By the end of each day, I feel so heavy and uncomfortable that all I want to do is change into pajamas and lounge on the sofa.

I am continuing my normal 4-5 times per week exercise routine, and hope to keep it up for most of the pregnancy. Physical activity plus lots of sleep are fueling my energy during the day when I am not only pregnant, but having to keep up with an active 2-year-old boy.

One of my favorite things about this second pregnancy is that our firstborn, Aaron, gets to be involved. He is excited about having a baby in mommy's tummy, and constantly talks to my belly. Today he laid his head on my stomach, and said, "Baby, you sneeze? (pause) Oh, good." His tender kisses and frequent mentions of the baby are incredibly endearing. Aaron also says he will share his bed and toys with the baby. We should probably get that statement on video, in case he needs a reminder of that in the future.

In a few weeks, we will find out the gender of the baby. We all feel differently about whether it is a boy or a girl. I hope it's a girl, but have no real gut intuition. Steve thinks it's a boy, since this pregnancy seems similar to our first one. And according to Aaron, the baby's gender is different on any given day.

There is a lot to do and think about as we transition to having an additional little one in our lives, but mostly, we're simply excited and enjoying the anticipation.

In Family News

Meet the newest member of our family! Baby #2 is scheduled to arrive in late August. We are thrilled to welcome him or her, and become a family of four!

The Waiting Game

For over a year, Steve and I have been trying to get pregnant. One year, in the grand scheme of life, isn't very long. But for me, this year of waiting and hoping has felt like eons.

I do not enjoy waiting, and I really do not enjoy not being in control. But that is what this year has been about - anticipation, longing, and an exercise in patience.

As I wait, I am learning several things. I am learning that a lot of life is about waiting, such as this Advent season that we just entered. I am learning that waiting produces maturity of character (something that I really do want, even though it can be an exasperating process). I am learning how to enjoy and be content with the present, even when something I want is not yet the reality. For now, we get to be a family of three, with all our parental love devoted to our one child. I am learning how to let go of my plans, and submit to the truth that very few things are within my power to control.

We believe that we will have another baby at some point. When that time comes, there will be a joyous celebration. But until then, here I sit, learning to embrace the waiting.

On Grief and Loss

This past year, Steve and I had two miscarriages. They occurred about five months apart from each other; one in November, and the most recent in April.

Amidst the miscarriages, we have experienced extreme measures of sadness and grief. In both instances, we were overjoyed when we learned we were pregnant, anticipating having another child to welcome into our family. With each miscarriage, there was a sudden loss and end of life of a son or daughter who we would never meet in this life. I have had moments of being overcome by sadness, bawling violently and gasping for air. The sight of another mother cradling her infant brings up a swell of emotion. I mourn the lives of our unborn babies, and think of what could have been.

There is also gratefulness intertwined with the grief. I am grateful for my husband, for his unwavering partnership and friendship. Our marriage vows have been all the more secured as we've experienced this trial together. I am grateful for the generous outpouring of love and kindness from people around us. Emails, phone calls, prayers, cooked meals, and babysitting offers have been no small reminder of the power of community.

Finally, I am grateful for God. I am grateful that he is near, present, and in our grief with us. I know that because of him, grief and loss aren't the final conclusion. The true end is one of celebration, joy and life. Though this world is full of awful pain and suffering, I believe and hope in God and his promises of redemption and resurrection, where all the brokenness and wrongs are made right. The reality of eternal life used to seem to me a distant and vague concept. But now, as I wrestle with the reality of having two unborn children, I am deeply moved to the point of rejoicing in my soul that eternal life is promised to us by a loving, faithful, and merciful God.

Post-Pregnancy Weight Loss

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you may remember that I spent a good deal of time last year writing about my efforts to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Over the course of about a year, I lost over 35 pounds. No extreme dieting or starvation. Just a commitment to healthy eating and exercise habits, which I wrote about in this post, My Healthy Habits.

During the pregnancy, most of my healthy habits went right out the window. I snacked more, gave in to ice cream cravings, and got lazy with my exercise routine. My excuse was, "Hey, I'm pregnant...I can do whatever I want!" While that may have been true, I can't lean on that crutch any more.

Now that the pregnancy is over, I'd like to get back to good eating and exercise, and hopefully my pre-pregnancy weight. Since the pregnancy, I have lost about 20 pounds (mostly made up of the baby, placenta and fluids), which leaves 15 more pounds to lose.

The catch for me is that as a breastfeeding mother, I'm not supposed to diet. I need to be getting a lot of nutrients for myself and the baby. I am also still physically recovering from the delivery, and need to gradually ease into a full exercise routine. Jessica Alba may have the superhuman capacity to lose all her pregnancy weight in thirty seconds, but I'm going the more moderate, normal person route.

My general plan is to resume my previous eating and exercise habits. In particular, I need to eat highly nutritional food, cut back on fats and sweets, and have some daily physical activity. Hopefully I'll be able to get back into a healthy lifestyle, and fit into my old clothes again!

I'd love to get some suggestions from you all. Any health tips you want to share? What habits keep you healthy?

The Birth Experience

After much waiting and anticipating, the birth of our son finally set into motion on May 8th, his estimated due date.

Around 3:00pm in the afternoon, my water broke. It was a slow, ongoing trickle of fluid rather than the dramatic gush I imagined it would be, and it actually took me a few minutes to be sure that this was the real deal.

Two hours later, while I was watching Top Chef reruns, the first contractions began. I called our doctor and doula, who both told us to hang out at home, try to relax, and wait for the contractions to become more frequent. So I spent the next few hours walking around, making sure our hospital bags were packed, bouncing on my exercise ball, and hanging out with Steve.

Thrilled that labor is starting, and our son is on his way.

Around 10:00pm our doula came over, and helped me relax through each contraction, allowing my body to do its work. At 2:30am we headed to the hospital. Upon arrival, I was checked by a nurse. I was 6 centimeters dilated, and 90% effaced.

Still smiling, halfway through labor. Before things got really hard.

Soon, the hard work started, with contractions becoming more intense (think really awful menstrual cramps). It took all my concentration to continue breathing and relaxing. After a while, my body suddenly had a really strong urge to push. The nurse checked, and with surprise said, "You're 10 centimeters dilated and completely effaced!" The doctor was quickly called in, and when she arrived, I was told to begin pushing. I pushed like crazy for what seemed like a miserable eternity (though I was later told it was only 15 minutes).

At 5:19am, our little baby boy was born. He wailed loudly, and was immediately placed on my chest, and we had the chance to bond as a new family. In his first moments out of the womb, Aaron was extremely alert, and seemed to be as intrigued with us as we were with him. I was exhausted, but completely overjoyed at the first few moments of seeing our son. I kept repeating, "Omigosh!," with no other words to describe how I felt. It was pure elation, relief and delirium.

Aaron after just a few minutes of being born.

The labor was 14 hours with 15 minutes of pushing, and it was the best and most painful experience of my entire life. I feel honored and proud to join the multitudes of other women who have given birth. Everything went as we had hoped - natural, non-medicated, no major complications or medical interventions. And in the end of it all, we experienced the miracle of our beautiful son being born.

Aaron and I recovering from our long night of delivery.

Like a true urban Angelino, he can throw up a gang sign. "M" for Marks.

On our way home from the hospital. Aaron really loves the car seat.

Ah...finally home, nice and cozy on the quilt that Grandma Marks made for him.

Thank you for all your kind words and warm wishes. It's wonderful to know that Aaron is welcomed with so much love.

He Arrived!

At 5:19am on Saturday, May 9th our son Aaron Li Yong Marks made his way into the world. He made it just in time for Mother's Day! At birth, he was a healthy 7 pounds and 19 3/4 inches. More details on the big day will follow.

We are all doing well, and enjoying our new life as a family of three. Aaron is an amazing little being, and we're honored to be his parents.

For more pictures and news, you can visit our family blog The Family Marks.

Pregnancy Developments - Week 39

No sign of the baby yet. Besides my Jupiter-sized belly, that is. Our son will officially be a May baby, contrary to my husband's late April prediction.

I've been keeping myself occupied with little bursts of nesting instincts. Every day I seem to think of a new domestic task that needs to get done before the baby arrives. Like cleaning out the fridge. And dusting the wine rack. And baking scones. Don't ask me why these things need to happen now...they just do. This symptom of pregnancy is apparently contagious - Steve spent half of yesterday meticulously washing and cleaning our car for the first time I can remember. If this baby doesn't arrive soon, we're going to run out of chores.

We are also continuing the many do-it-yourself induction methods in an attempt to jump start this baby. I attempt to take daily walks, or rather daily waddles, which is quite a feat when it feels like a watermelon is strapped to one's torso. The majority of my diet is now a strange combination of pineapple and spicy food. With every meal, I also take a capsule of Evening Primrose Oil. Still nothing.

There is a restaurant in Los Angeles called Caioti Pizza Cafe that is known for a legendary salad that is said to induce labor. We went there the other day, mostly out of curiosity. Pregnant woman by the droves have flocked to this place to eat what's known as "The Salad," a blend of romaine, watercress, walnuts and Gorgonzola cheese. The salad is topped with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing, which is apparently the key to its success. The restaurant has a collection of guestbooks, signed by expectant women who have eaten the salad. Some entries in the book are testimonials of women who went into labor mere hours after eating the salad. Others were still waiting for their babies, hoping that the salad would work its magic. While we ate, we flipped through the books, entertained by the stories of all these women. Before leaving, we signed the book. It's now two days later, so I guess the salad didn't work its wonders on me. But hey, at least I got a tasty salad out of it.

I am beginning to think that most of these supposed labor inducing strategies are really nothing more than distractions created for expectant parents with patience and control issues.

Little baby, I know you will come when you're good and ready. I just hope it will be soon.

Pregnancy Developments - Week 37

The baby taking up residence in my uterus is now full term! Even though the due date is still three weeks away, he's mature enough to have a healthy birth.

Steve and I are both giddy with anticipation. Every morning, we wake up and wonder if this will be The Day. It is a little like waiting for Christmas, but not knowing when Christmas will actually come. We even made one of those construction paper chains to count down the days until the due date. It is hanging in our dining room, and every day that gets closer to the baby's arrival, we tear off another link.

The baby is around 6 lbs., which is a good size. My belly is HUGE, as evidenced by the many looks and comments I frequently receive from complete strangers. A guy at Costco exclaimed, "Whoa, you're really ready to go there, huh?," while making a patting motion on his stomach. Yes, thank you. I am ready to go. While it's great that our baby is growing, I am praying that he comes soon, and I don't end up birthing a 10 lb. child.

Our doctor encouraged me to begin doing certain things to try to naturally begin labor - walking, bouncing on an exercise ball, taking certain herbs, lots of *ahem* bedroom activity. So far, no sign of starting labor. No contractions, no water breaking, nothing.

Until then, we will wait on this little person to make his grand entrance into the world.