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Today was a bit of a crazy day. First, I am on call so, of course, I had to go into the hospital for a delivery. As an Ob/Gyn we know babies can come at anytime and we are on standby. So today is Easter and I already planned to go to church with my boys. I had their clothes all laid out from the night before and wanted to share this day with them.

Thankfully, my time in the hospital was short enough that we made it to the last mass of the day. Min and I hope that our religious excitement will influence our little ones with morals and teachings in the future. I grew up in the Catholic faith and hope the boys will do the same. All and all today was a good day.

Photos of the boys 🙂

First off, I want to say this is my own experience and anyone considering contraception or birth control should go see their ob/gyn for more information.

Mentally prepare yourself. Intrauterine device is a great method of birth control.  It is one of the most effective forms of birth control – over 99% effective. Currently approximately 2 million women use it in the United States.  As for me the advantages that were appealing included the length of time for the IUD – three years for the Skyla, 5 years for the Mirena and 10 years for the Paragard – the efficacy of 99%, complete coverage by my insurance, and not having to take birth control pills everyday.

I picked Mirena because I also wanted a reduction in heavy periods, which had plagued me since my adolescence.  IUD are long acting reversible contraceptives so if you plan to try to get pregnant you can remove it at any time even before the planned 3, 5 or 10 year period especially if you are unsure if you want more kids.  After the removal you can become pregnant.

So when the day comes for the IUD placement – plan first.  Come during your period, usually at the tail end when the bleeding is less heavy.  Your cervical os, or opening of the uterus, is slightly open making it easier for insertion.  Take something for possible cramping if you think you need it.  When I planned mine I was at the end of my menses, took ibuprofen and mentally and physically prepared myself.

After it was placed I definitely had cramping for 1 week and bleeding/spotting for a good three weeks. But at least I don’t have to worry about pregnancy. Well until I decide I may want another beautiful child.  When I see my little ones I just can’t help but want more sometimes.  Aren’t they such cutie pies?

 

First off, I want to say this is my own experience and anyone considering contraception or birth control should go see their ob/gyn for more information.

I am now 6 months postpartum.  I’ve endured six loving months of breastfeeding so far and still going strong despite going back to work and my supply decreasing.  I have supplemented with some formula here and there.  Dexter has also started eating as pictured here:

That being said as a breastfeeding mom there are fewer options for birth control.  Only progesterone birth control are recommended since estrogen may lower your breast milk supply if it is not established.  For any moms out there producing breast milk, we all know it is liquid gold or any cute metaphors you might have for this magical substance that grow our little babies.

So what are the options?
1. Abstinence (but that’s no fun)
2. Condoms (High failure rate)
3. Mini progesterone birth control pill (Everyday, same time)
4. Depo Provera injection (3 months but has side effects)
5. Progesterone IUD (Long acting, reversible birth control and highly effective)
6. Copper IUD (Effective but may have heavier menses)
7. Implant (Small rod in arm)

So after at my 6 week post partum visit I opted for Depo provera injection.  Why? Because it was readily available and easy for me at the time.  I do, however, regret getting it.  I had more side effects than I cared for and ended up having to take estrogen pills for a short time due to the hypoestrogenic effects on my body.  Not everyone has the same problems but both pregnancies I had the same side effects.

After the three month period, I switched to Mirena, a progesterone IUD that is effective for 5 years.  I will say it was a great decision and I am very happy about it now.  The first week was a bit painful since I had cramps like a period and had vaginal spotting here and there for 2 weeks.  I hope that my periods will be lighter as it is common with among most Mirena users.  It’s been almost 4 weeks so we shall see how this goes.  I am happy I don’t have to take a pill everyday and that my side effects are minimal.  Definitely not looking to get pregnant anytime again soon.

Your dad and I promise to get you the whole subway train set one day… We love you so much.  Your fascination with the train stations and your vivid imagination make us so happy. We will always cherish these moments and hope many more with you and your little brother.

Just too cute not to post!

His socks are clean by the way…

 

Today I finally had the chance to take Ethan out to try out his brand, new sled we got him when the huge snowstorm hit the east coast.  However, he got very sick that week and we did not get the chance to venture out and enjoy the beautiful white snow.  Feeling all better this week and right before the New Year (Lunar New Year – Year of the Ram). We trekked to a small hill at Tear Drop Park in Battery Park City and it was a blast.  The weather was sunny and cool at a balmy 30 degrees (It was single digits all weekend).   We went up and down the hill as Ethan cheered all the way down, every time. We got into snow fights, in which Ethan made super snowballs he could not lift.  He was adorable! I would not change this morning for anything.  I just love my little guy.  Hopefully by next year I can bring little Dex too.

 

Tomorrow will be the first time moms, dads and babies from 40 Weeks will be meeting up since the premiere of the documentary. I am so excited to host this event! I am currently making strawberry cupcakes and snacks for tomorrow. When 40 Weeks premiered at the Angelika in Manhattan I felt a connection with the other moms from the documentary and a few of us got to bond at the after party. We friended each other on Facebook, send encouraging text messages, and are planning for road trips already! Being a parent gives people such a strong bond. Our lives have changed and I am so lucky to have made so many friends along the way. Each journey is different but being a parent unifies us. 

I have to confess that being a second time parent has been difficult. There is no “me” time anymore just “Ethan time” or “Dex time” or “Ethan AND Dex time.” I love being a mom but between breastfeeding, crafting DIY enriching activities, changing diapers, train track building, eating well balanced, natural, organic meals (or trying to) and bath time; there is no time in between. Now times that all by two and on top of all that I have started working. For example, our five year anniversary is coming up and I have been trying to lose some of this baby weight I’ve gained between the two pregnancies. The only time I have to even attempt to work out is after both boys are asleep which is after 9pm. By that time I am pooped. Laundry, dishes, the whole house still needs to be cleaned. So what do I do? Do one thing at a time but working out seems to take the back burner. I hope cleaning will count as my work out. Just waiting till the boys get older and it is warmer outside. Maybe I can start jogging with them. Yes, wishful thinking 🙂 

Can’t wait to see the 40 Weeks crew!

OMGESS!!! I’m sleepy… but fixed the engagement story bug and also wrote up how I originally met diana

Good night all!