Nico Videos

Nico was born on June 25th, 2 weeks before his expected due date. I started with contractions in the morning and my water partially breaking. I would like to forget all about the labor process and skip straight to the cute 10-second baby videos.

Nico is a wonderful baby, loves to be held, and only cries when hungry which can be every 1.5 - 2 hrs. Oh, he also hates getting his diaper changed, his hands become fists and face becomes red. It's actually quite funny.

Here's Nico wide-eyed staring at his daddy, lips puckered.



When he's hungry, his hand-to-mouth reflex goes into high gear. Here it's only one hand, but withhold food a bit longer, and he tries to stuff both hands in.



And here he is drunk on milk.

Car RIde

This is too cute. Mahala (the dog on the left) only sits on the left side of the car. What to do if someone is there already? Sit on that person or dog, of course! Nashoba was tolerant!

36 1/2 weeks

Still 1 cm dilated, 70% effaced.
I could be like this all the way until the birth date...

35 and 1/2 weeks

1 cm dilated
70% effaced

Drumroll please ...

I passed! And I've already celebrated at BoneFish Grill and Cheesecake Factory! (And thankful for saving all those gift cards from my birthday.)

The night of the Boards, I was so happy that I wanted to celebrate before receiving my actual scores. Paul was super excited for me too. We took a nap and by the time we got up and left the house for BoneFish it was 9:30 PM. We didn't get seated until 10:30 PM - and there was still a waiting list to get in!

The point of the story? (A) Paul and I are always amazed by the cultural differences in S. FL. I'm note sure if restaurants are still that busy in St Pete at that time. (B) We took a stroll while we waited, enjoying these spontaneous moments alone without a baby.

It's now 4:20 AM, and I just finished my BoneFish leftovers followed by a mango cream pop. With a full tummy again, I think I can fall asleep. I've been told that waking up every night is good practice for when Nico arrives. We'll see.

I think I passed!

The FL Board Exam is by far the most stressful exam ever. Every time you send your patient up to get checked, you are praying they get accepted, that you left no caries, the contact is tight enough, your patient's blood pressure stays low. Because all of these things can lead to 'automatic failure.'

Our timed practicals in D1-D2 years had hidden traps of automatic failures. I guess they were just preparing us for the Boards.

The alarm was set for 4:45 AM, but Mahala had us tossing and turning since 2:30 AM since she's now afraid of thunder and whines during storms. "Go to bed, Mahala!" Nope, she instead paces and hides in the closet.

I met my patient at 5:45 AM and we were in line by 6:15 AM to get started. My primary patient had both Class 2 and 3 lesions so she stayed the whole time, finally able to go home at 2:00 PM. When she came down from the final check, with no pink slip or entourage of disappointed examiners, I felt relieved! I think I passed!

And of course, Paul was there from the beginning, with food and drinks, helping organize my backup patients and keeping them company. Just seeing him time to time was helpful - his smile, soothing words, and hugs helped me in a spiritual way.

I officially get my scores on Monday 11 AM. Then I can look for a job in the Fall and focus my energy on packing and on Nico.

Made the Cord Blood Leap

Well, I finally made the call and registered with ViaCord, a cord blood bank. It's a way to preserve stem cells from the umbilical cord right after the baby's birth. Due to high upfront fee, I hesitated but ultimately decided to do it.

PROS

• Can save or change Nico's life (no one expects their kid to get leukemia or diabetes)
• Bypass the need for painful bone marrow surgery to harvest stem cells
• Can be used for future kids (if we decide to have more) or even existing family members if a match
• Can be donated later to research or help someone else
• Low annual fee
• Just good insurance (Paul's older genes, and my first trimester radiation...)
• Amazing medical potential that hasn't even been discovered yet
  

CONS

• High start up cost!

I think about my $600 articulator (lost or stolen), $500 handpieces and when I put it in that perspective, I just feel it's worth it.

Now I'm done

I've in clinic everyday this week, running around getting paperwork filled, cementing my last crown, delivering my last partial. And this afternoon at 4:45 PM, I completed all my requirements! I was exhausted and exhilarated at the same time.

Now I feel like I'm Ping DeLucia, DMD.

Well, kind of. Although it's true, I do have my DMD degree, I will feel even better when I pass the FL Boards next weekend. What's the use of a DMD when you can't practice?

Meanwhile, my OBGYN checkups have all been normal and in 2 weeks we start checking for dilation. I can't wait to meet the little guy.

Baby Shower

I've been so busy that I havent had time to blog about my baby shower.

Thanks to Michelle for being a wonderful host and Joe for lending his home!

Everyone was so generous - we got almost everything on our registry! Nico doesn't need a thing now.

Belly at 32 weeks

Here I am in all my puffiness glory:

Last week was Graduation week and it truly was a week long celebration.

It started Wednesday with our Senior Class Party that we, the Officers, hosted.

Next morning was Graduation Rehearsal followed by OKU Induction Dinner at the RIverside Hotel. (OKU is an honors fraternity, top 20% invited but only 12% selected to join.) Paul was exempt from this night and got to hang out with Michelle's beau David playing guitar.

My Dad flew in Saturday and we all went to the Westin Diplomat for our Senior Dinner and Dance Banquet. Everyone looked so beautiful! I gave a speech and was awarded the Chancellor Award. I was totally surprised! And tired that night.

Graduation Day was at the Bank Atlantic Center and lasted over 5 hours. Although excited to be hooded and sad to not see a lot of my friends again, I had to leave ASAP becuase I just lousy. You can see how swollen my face was when comparing to the banquet pic from teh night before. We took my Dad to the airport and that night I slept from 8 am to 8 pm. I felt 100% better the next morning.

All these pictures can be seen: here.

Due to hard work, caring patients, and a small miracle, I may actually be done with all my requirements by this Friday. Then I have a week to practice and screen for Boards.

So much to write about

I've been wanting to write about Paul and our weekend date to a nursery, raw food restaurant, and awesome Italian market.

And my 30th birthday, how it came and went, with us sleeping through it.

And how I'm becoming super excited (finally!) about becoming a mom and very, very grateful for all the donations from so many generous girlfriends.

And last, how I just enjoy sitting on the couch, watching Nico roll around in my belly.

Belly Update

Here's the belly at 24 weeks.



I've been feeling great for the past few weeks, almost normal with lots of energy. The only thing I fear is tomato sauce and dropping something. If something drops, I contemplate for a few seconds whether or not it really needs to be picked up.

Nico doesn't move too often, just at night or after a big meal.

Visit with Molly McButter

I'm trying to get back into rhythm again, scheduling patients, etc. Self-pity week is over and I have to start being optimisstic again or I will drive myself insane over things I cannot control.

Molly and her son Harrison was visiting in St Pete last week. Last time I saw her was a couple of years ago when she got married in Missouri. She and her hubby now live in Oregon.

Our original plan was to meet half way for a day-visit in Ft Myers. Neither one of us was keen on the idea. So we both pitched in some money and I flew to St Pete for an overnighter. It was great seeing her and her son! And her family too! I've known her mom, dad, sister and bro since I was 15.

Molly also took me baby shopping where I purchased my first outfit for Baby Nico (we're trying out the name). I fell in love with the monkey.

FL Boards - Day 2

Day 2 was patient day, and it was, without a doubt, the worst day of my dental school years.

The day started at 5 AM which was really 4 AM due to the time change. My first patient was perio. Then came restorative Class 2 and Class 3 patients. Every time you send you patient up for check-in, prep grading, restoration grading, you pace and wait to see if they pass or reject you. Meanwhile, your second or backup patient waits in the lobby for hours, some up to 6 hours, not knowing if you need them. Some just leave.

Unfortunately, I did not finish my restorative. I will be repeating that part in June. I learned a lot, like patient selection is key, make sure your lesion isn't too large, make sure the adjacent tooth has the proper contour.

Both my patients were just wonderful. Punctual, patient, considerate, nice, and healthy. I couldn't asked for better patients.

And to give me strength and encouragement, Paul was there in the lobby with food and drink, filling out forms with my patients, just there to give me and the Bambino a hug.

FL Boards - Day 1

My first day was Manikin Day. We had to arrive at school at 6:30 AM.

3 hrs Endo
4 hrs Prosth

I rocked Endo; will be lucky to pass Prosth. I should have taken a break during the second half, clear my mind, take a breather.

Tomorrow, my patient and I need to be there at 5:30 AM. And tonight, we spring forward 1 hour.

I can't believe the Boards are this weekend!

Wow, it's been extremely stressful these past couple of weeks. I passed my FL Law exam (yeah) and my FL Diagnostic exam (yeah again).

I found my patients, lost a patient, found another patient. No backup patients, so if my primary patients don't arrive or arrive late , I don't get to sit and therefore fail. So stressful how my license and ability to work depends on these 2 people.

I've also finished setting my teeth for my denture competancy and practiced another bridge this weekend. I try not to stress because it's not good for Eggplant. I look at the ultrasound, and still can't believe there's a human being growing in my belly. And he likes chocolate.

To cut or not cut the Eggplant...

That's right kids, we're having a boy! And the first 2 decisions that we have to make that will affect him for the rest of his life is (a) selecting his name and (b) deciding whether or not to circumcise.

We measured his brain, arms, legs, even his lips, all wtihin normal. Heart was pumping fast, and I got to see his little feet. So cool.

Laws & Rules on V-Day

I take my FL Laws and Rules Exam on Tuesday so I decided I should start studying the 112 booklet of lawyer talk. Thank goodness for the Gordy course - they deciphered most of it. I've gone through it once, and it put me to sleep 3 times. Honestly.

Paul is also studying for exams. Yesterday we decided to take a break and enjoy a nice Italian meal at Vignetos for Valentine's Day.

He ordered the veal parm and I, the seafood risotto. The food was good, not great, but the ambiance... We felt like we were in a retirement community.

Then Paul took me to a candy store where I picked out chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate coconut patties, and chocolate covered gummy bears. What a great hubby :)

This Thursday we find out if we're having a boy or a girl!

Now back to studying.

Halfway through

Ok, 18 weeks, almost halfway. But here I am, in all my belly glory.

I've also been in a conference room all weekend for the Gordy course, a prep course for the FL Boards. A bit costly, but worth every penny! The next month is going to be crazy!

Pup? puppy? What, puppp?

PUPPP stands for "pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy" or in other words, itchy rash pregnant women get.

Thankfully, that's not my leg... yet. Right now, I have a small. singular, oval red rash on my thigh, itchy from time to time and, if I'm not hallucinating, growing very slowly.

It's realtively common, usually in first pregnancies,never to reappear again, and I couldn't tell you why because I just didn't want to read about it.

What did catch my attention was that it usally appears in 3rd trimester, a few days before baby is born.

Um, I'm only in week 17.

Date Night: MBFGR

I came home from the dog park to a hungry husband. What will we eat? Paul was craving Greek food, the nearest restaurant is 20 min away. Half heatedly, I said, let's eat there instead of take out. And to my surprise, he agreed!

So away we went to My Big Fat Greek Restaurant. Pastichio and mousaka. Yum. Entertained by greek dancers and a belly dancer. We had a nice time. I want to take advantage of these nights while we can before the baby comes.

I passed!

I passed my Boards Part 2, now I get to focus on the FL Boards which, to me, are extremely stressful. Part 2: 12 hr computerized multiple-choice exam. FL Boards: 3 patients and manikin to prepare and restore within a specific time frame.; failing rate much higher.

Do I doubt my skills? No. Do I doubt my speed? Yes. But with the baby and all, I really try not to stress.

I also met my new OBGYN. This guy communicates better than the woman I was seeing before, and the front office ladies are definitely a lot more pleasant. But, still, can't the doc crack a smile once?

Happy Chinese New Year!

Today starts the Year of the Ox. Of course I had to celebrate with good ol' Chinese food, so I called up my Asian pals and went out to King Palace. Soy sauce chicken, duck, whole fish with ginger and onions and more. Yummy. I wish Paul came out, but he's still not feeling well. I've been on him to see a doctor. He finally made an appointment for next week. I'm worried but trying to be optimistic.

Tonight was also a celebratory dinner for me: I finally cemented my D3 crown competancy. Yeah for me, it only took my 3-4 months. It feels wonderful.

Putting on the domestic apron

So, lately I've been wanting to cook. It may be the maternal thing finally coming out. Or my desire for parents to cook when their kids are young. The only dishes I knew how to make were the ones I saw my mom and aunt preparing. Paul and I carry out so much, I'm afraid that our child will think food only comes from plastic bags and cartons. I would love for our son or daughter to eat healthy and be comfortable and curious in the kitchen.

So, inspired by Rachel Ray's simple recipe, and my increased energy during this trimester, I stopped by the grocer on the way home and cooked dinner for my husband.

Rachel Ray's Cheeseburger Chili Mac

1. Ground a pound of beef with 1 large chopped onion.
2. Squirt 2 big dollops of ketchup and 1 big dollop of mustard in the beef. Add a little of beef or veggie stock for moisture. Mix.
3. Boil a box of pasta. (I chose spinach penne.)
4. Mix beef mixture and pasta together. Chili power is optional.
5. Top with shredded cheddar. Place under broiler until cheese is bubbly and brown.

Paul and I ate almost the entire dish. It hit the spot! Next time, though, instead of ketchup and mustard, I may just use fresh or canned tomatoes. But I loved how I didn't have to measure a thing.

I only hope to continue this trend when I start working. I remember the old days, after a commuting home, I had no energy or desire to cook.

Elastic, my friend

I went shopping today with my girlfriends. Most of the day was uneventful, only punctured with moments of, "my goodness, I'm how big?"

The highlight was at the last store where I found 'normal' cargo pants and shorts with elastic waists. Needless to say, I bought one of each.

Only 75% of my brain

So I've been told I'll become a 'ditz' or forgetful, or only use 75% of my brain power. I'm hear to say, it's true. The Board exam is 2 days (12 hours total) and I used up almost the entire time reading each question very careful, twice.

It was not as bad as expected. If you studied old exams and reviewed a couple of study guides, you'll do just fine. I think I spent about 2 full (40-hr) weeks studying.

Major Things to Accomplish in order Before Baby Comes:
Study and Pass Boards Part 2 - Done! Well, at least I think I passed
Find FL Board Patients
Pass FL Board
Complete all school requirements

I didn't book patients for the rest of this week. I'll take this time to get my head back into clinic and to tidy up the home.

Last week, while on emergency rotation, I treated a guy with a horrible toothache. I also saw he had a lesion on his tongue, incipient and white, but nonetheless there. We did a biopsy. I wonder how he's doing...

Heartbeat away

The rented Doppler arrived a few days ago, still unopened in the box. I was surprised I could wait so long, but broke down today. Paul has never hear Baby before and was excited too.

Click to hear his/her little, fast heartbeat.

Wary of the unknown effects of sound waves on Baby's heart, we decided this will be the only time we use it. Although it's considered safe to listen 2-3 times per week, we would just prefer to not bombard him/her. I'm happy to have my little recording.

By week 20, I should be able to hear her heart using a stethoscope. I'm so excited! I'll probably tune in everyday! Hopefully by then, I'll be able to feel some movement.

With each passing day, it becomes more difficult to study...

Looking Forward to 2009

This is going to be an exciting year. Me finishing dental school, Paul finishing acupuncture school, and a baby on the way.

Christmas break was well needed. I got to hang out with my sisters and talked for hours. Went to Ivory Bistro with the Chinese side for real Chinese food and to my Uncles for homemade dumplings and karaoke. Christmas was at the DeLucia's but there were no little kids this year. Opening presents is just not the same without little ones to enjoy it.

Major Things to Accomplish in order Before Baby Comes:
Study and Pass Boards Part 2
Find FL Board Patients
Pass FL Board
Complete all school requirements

Ideally, I would like to give birth in St Pete, but if I don't finish in time, Paul tells me to not worry. That it will all work out one way or another.