Hello NSFCD.
As some/most/maybe all of you know, my girlfriend and I are going to have a baby girl. I thought this would be a great experience to talk about here, something never done on NSFCD before. To start, most of you know me, Kendrick, aka Mystic. I'm 17, going to be a senior, and one of few black members here, yay me. My girlfriend's name is Samantha (aka Sam). She's 18, graduated, and the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.
The story of our daughter, Zoey, starts December 5, 2009, which also happened to be Sam's mom's 40th birthday. Sam was staying over at my house; we got up early, and guess what happened. We were very scared for quite a while. We couldn't get a test until the end of February, which said she was pregnant. Once we finally, told our parents, it was a relief. Though emotions were high, problems arose, mostly between Sam's dad and me. However, I don't feel like explaining.
The doctor's appointment confirmed the pregnancy. It was a happy moment for us. We were given a due date of September 4, 2010. Our doctor (yes, we have the same doctor, amusing right?) set us up for the first ultrasound, March 26, 2010. My mom drove us there, and it was a great experience. The doctor operating the machine was detailed about telling us what she was doing and what we were looking at. I loved that she actually explained things to us, rather than just standing, taking measurements, and ignoring us (as had been done when my mom was pregnant with my brothers). The woman gave us a due date of August 29, 2010 (MJ's birthday, I was amused).
Next we had a full OB appointment: pap smear, etc. We were told the results from the ultrasound showed Zoey had a ratio of her head being too big compared to the femur, and that they wanted to do testing for things such as cystic fibrosis, Down's syndrome, and other genetic diseases. I've never felt so scared in my life. I didn't want my child to suffer from these diseases. Thankfully, we were informed that she was clear of diseases. By the next ultrasound, it was confirmed that everything was normal shape and development. And so far, that is still true. She is a healthy baby. Or as our doctor says, we have a "normal and boring pregnancy, just how we like it." And that's fine with me. Oh, and the due date reverted back to September 4th, and so far, still is the plan.
Medically, this may be boring. But outside the doctor's office, it's no where near boring. Shopping, job searching, planning, and the other numerous things keep us consumed. We have two baby showers planned. The first is being thrown by my mom with her friends on August 6th. She has lots of friends who have had baby girls. Gold mine much? For sure. The second will be our friends and family on August 14th.
So what is going on currently? Sam and I have been babysitting her cousins through the summer. The little girl is 5 years old and the little boy is 9 months old. I'm still trying to find a job. We've been busy planning and thinking and adjusting. Friday (July 23), we have another check up. As of now, there are no more ultrasounds. At the last one, the doctor said that everything is perfect and we'd only need to schedule an ultrasound if we or the doctor felt it was necessary.
I plan to use this thread to keep you guys updated. I'd like to think of you guys as an online family, so I'm willing to share this important time of my life with you guys. I hope you guys participate in this thread and enjoy what I have to say. I plan on posting news, pictures, and anything else you guys may be interested in.
I wish you good luck, and I hope everything goes well for you and Zoey. <3
How did you come up with her name?
Well, we originally considered Xander (pronounced like Zander) or Shawn for a boy; Dakota, Brooke, and Damita for a girl. Sam's mom came up with Zoey, and my mom thought of Michelle (the female of my middle name, Mikel). We liked them both so we decided to name her Zoey, with Michelle as her middle name.
Congrats on the new baby! I hope you find a job and everything works out for you two :3 Also, I love the name Zoey.
Quote from: Phaze on July 22, 2010, 11:53:09 AM
Congrats on the new baby! I hope you find a job and everything works out for you two :3 Also, I love the name Zoey.
I love that name too. :3
Aw, this is so exciting! But darn, you guys have a lot ahead of you. What are you going to do about your future? I mean, are you planning on going to school or are you going to stay behind and look after your kid? Not that either choice is necessarily bad. If it were me, I'd drop my life and just try and make sure my kid gets a good one.
Quote from: KJ on July 22, 2010, 02:42:03 PM
Aw, this is so exciting! But darn, you guys have a lot ahead of you. What are you going to do about your future? I mean, are you planning on going to school or are you going to stay behind and look after your kid? Not that either choice is necessarily bad. If it were me, I'd drop my life and just try and make sure my kid gets a good one.
From what I know:
This is Mystic's last year of school starting this fall and he plans to graduate. His girlfriend graduated this past spring and is going to community college during the day. Parents are willing to help out during that time.
I think I got that all right.
Quote from: KJ on July 22, 2010, 02:42:03 PM
Aw, this is so exciting! But darn, you guys have a lot ahead of you. What are you going to do about your future? I mean, are you planning on going to school or are you going to stay behind and look after your kid? Not that either choice is necessarily bad. If it were me, I'd drop my life and just try and make sure my kid gets a good one.
In summary, Kianglo's post.
Sam will probably start college next fall (2011). At that time, I shall also start college (Eastern Washington University). To give Zoey a good life, we have to continue our educations in order to be eligible for better jobs and such right? Stopping now won't help Zoey in any way.
Just actually raise the child. Don't hire a baby sitter then never spend time with the baby. A baby sitter is fine, but don't basically make the sitter the parent.
And KJ, that idea sounds good to most youngish people but it is a horrible idea that usually ends up backfiring.
Can I be the god father? :)
Quote from: JrDude φ on July 22, 2010, 05:37:25 PM
Just actually raise the child. Don't hire a baby sitter then never spend time with the baby. A baby sitter is fine, but don't basically make the sitter the parent.
And KJ, that idea sounds good to most youngish people but it is a horrible idea that usually ends up backfiring.
You don't have kids, so shut it. You sound like a prick and an idiot. You have no idea what he's about to go through unless you've been through it yourself, i.e. you actually have kids. Not if you have little cousins, or siblings, or you did a lot of babysitting for someone. You have to know what it's like to be solely responsible for someone's survival and future before you talk to people like that. If you have something to add, try to do it in a more civil manner. Parenting is an experience that you really have no concept of until you go throught it. I can understand sharing your thoughts, and that's certainly why we're here, but you just look like an idiot when you present it as if you are the expert on the subject. /rant
Anywho, back to the happy tone of the thread. As the only person on the forum that currently has children, I'll be constantly invading your thread and sharing thoughts and stories, tips and tricks.
I definitely agree with your plan to finish your education. We did, and I think it was the right decision. We made it work by doing our best not to double schedule classes so that someone was always at home with our daughter.
STORY TIME
I remember when they asked us if we wanted to get special testing for my daughter to find out if she would have any problems like down syndrome. We sat and thought about it for a moment, and the doctor told us that the reason they did it too early was that we would have all of our options open. It took us a moment to get what he was referencing. We decided not to get the testing.
It was definitely scary though. I can't imagine what it would have been like hearing that a ratio was off and the testing was necessary. The only thing close that I can think of is when we found out that our son was having vision tracking problems. We knew it could be many things, including blindness and down syndrome. My wife bawled for a while. Luckily he just has pretty bad vision, but can still see.
Quote from: Dionysus on July 22, 2010, 06:03:07 PM
You don't have kids, so shut it. You sound like a prick and an idiot. You have no idea what he's about to go through unless you've been through it yourself, i.e. you actually have kids. Not if you have little cousins, or siblings, or you did a lot of babysitting for someone. You have to know what it's like to be solely responsible for someone's survival and future before you talk to people like that. If you have something to add, try to do it in a more civil manner. Parenting is an experience that you really have no concept of until you go throught it. I can understand sharing your thoughts, and that's certainly why we're here, but you just look like an idiot when you present it as if you are the expert on the subject. /rant
I often sound like I'm trying to sound like an expert, but I am far from it. I have little to no experience with this, I don't baby sit or anything, nor do much for younger family members like little cousins. I often give advice where I have no business, but it's just something I do, can't really help it. If I sound like an idiot, cool, I sound the same as usual. I hear and see things sometimes, whether it be news or realistic movie/TV show or something actually right in front of me but I'm not actually part of, and those things make unconsciously think I know what I'm talking about, but I know I don't. I think some of that didn't make sense, but I think you get the gist of what I'm saying.
As BFB said, getting an education is DEFINITELY a good choice. It's so much easier to raise a child when you can get better jobs. Some people decide to drop out of school to raise a kid, but that bites them in the ass in the future when they have a hard time paying for things.
I'm very glad that you and Sam are both going to college. It's alright if Sam wants to start a year later, in order to have a year off to take care of Zoey for the first year. After the first year a baby doesn't require constant care. Well, it does. Truth is, I don't know how to say this. What I'm trying to get across is, the baby becomes less delicate after a year, and doesn't need to spend half its time in your arms. It gets easier to feed, potty training happens by the second year if you're lucky, and then you get to watch her go through school.
I think it's a good idea for Sam to be home with her baby the first year. A very good idea. It would be tough for a mother to be away from her newborn baby, and this time they get to spend together will be worth it. Just remember, you'll have both 12th grade AND a newborn child to deal with. Make sure you focus on both. Raising a child is important, but you want to keep your grades up, so you can get into good colleges and stuff.
A big mistake people make after having a baby and continuing school is this: They pay all their attention to the baby. Yes, she will need attention. But don't make the mistake many people make by letting their grades slip. You won't get into colleges easy if you barely pass 12th grade. My point is, they're both important.
That's all I can say for now. I can't give too much advice since, well, I've never had a child. I've had two younger sisters that I've closely watched and helped raise as they were growing up. And I have a little bit of experience. I'll try to help with what I can, but remember BFB has a lot more experience than I do. So he will probably be able to give you a lot of good advice. But we're all here to help you. I assume you'll have no problem raising this child. There will be ups and downs, but I KNOW that you can do it. :)
Quote from: Dionysus on July 22, 2010, 06:03:07 PM
Anywho, back to the happy tone of the thread. As the only person on the forum that currently has children, I'll be constantly invading your thread and sharing thoughts and stories, tips and tricks.
I appreciate that. I like your wisdom.
QuoteIt was definitely scary though. I can't imagine what it would have been like hearing that a ratio was off and the testing was necessary.
Sam actually thought it might have been something she did, so she was just as upset with herself as well.
Quote from: Kianglo on July 22, 2010, 06:31:31 PM
A big mistake people make after having a baby and continuing school is this: They pay all their attention to the baby. Yes, she will need attention. But don't make the mistake many people make by letting their grades slip. You won't get into colleges easy if you barely pass 12th grade. My point is, they're both important.
Maybe this sounds bit cocky, but I'm not to worried about my grades. I've always been a A/B student (mostly A's), with a 3.4 GPA at the moment. I know Zoey will require a lot of time. but I think I can handle the homework easily. And I need to. EWU lets you in automatically if you have a 3.3+, and I'm hoping my GPA will get back to at least 3.5.
Quote from: Mystic on July 22, 2010, 08:57:08 PM
Maybe this sounds bit cocky, but I'm not to worried about my grades. I've always been a A/B student (mostly A's), with a 3.4 GPA at the moment. I know Zoey will require a lot of time. but I think I can handle the homework easily. And I need to. EWU lets you in automatically if you have a 3.3+, and I'm hoping my GPA will get back to at least 3.5.
I'm sure you won'thaving a problem juggling a family with your Senior Year. Just giving you a heads up: Some people think they're doing all right.. until they see their grades halfway through the year.
I have no worries about you, though. I know you'll be able to handle everything.
I have a 3.88 GPA going into 11th. You gotta do better than me. :3
Pre-Calculus is pretty much what intercourse ed up my GPA during junior year. Everything else was top notch.
I love your support <3
Damn man, what an exciting event for you! Hope everything goes well for the rest of the pregnancy and delivery.
Oh yeah, hope the baby she gets into position correctly. C-sections can be rough (from what I've heard).
And yes I have a horrible habit of referring to babies as "it" or "the baby," since that's how my parents always referred to them. I try to use "she" when I can. D:
C-sections do have the risks of major surgery, but they are so much simpler and much less painful than regular chikd birth.
She's in position at the moment. She has been as of the previous doctor's appointment two weeks ago.
At the appointment today, everything went well. The doctor said she might have some kind of bacteria (Sam, not Zoey), so they are going to test her urine. If so, they have to call the hospital (Sacred Heart Medical Center, where Zoey is going to be born) and have antibiotics on hand for Sam to take before she gives birth, so Zoey doesn't get affected. My mom describes it as "strep down there". But otherwise, everything is good.
I should note, we have two doctors. One is a guy (who is also my family doctor), and a woman, who usually does Sam's femine stuff (like the full OB appointment a few months ago). They switch off, so we see both of them. Today was the woman, Dr. Lopez. She asked Sam about breastfeeding and epidural.
Quote from: Mystic on July 23, 2010, 11:28:44 AM
At the appointment today, everything went well. The doctor said she might have some kind of bacteria (Sam, not Zoey), so they are going to test her urine. If so, they have to call the hospital (Sacred Heart Medical Center, where Zoey is going to be born) and have antibiotics on hand for Sam to take before she gives birth, so Zoey doesn't get affected. My mom describes it as "strep down there". But otherwise, everything is good.
That can't be good. It's important to protect Zoey from it, since babies are more vulnerable than rotten tomatoes. However, I hope Sam's okay. "Strep down there" sounds like it would be rather painful. >_>
I guess I'll be first to ask.
Can you show us pictures of the baby after a bit? Doesn't have to be right away, just whenever.
Have we (the forum) even seen Sam yet?
I'll probably share pictures. She better be the cutest ever. And yes, you guys have seen Sam. She's in a lot of the pictures I posted in the pictures thread. Here is a picture of us, for quick reference.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs480.ash1/26275_418342711799_574636799_5291654_1669149_n.jpg)
I decided to post an ultrasound picture. This was from the first ultrasound (March 26th).
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg132/MysticSwampert/us.jpg)
My sister had a C-section. She was all set to give birth the normal way, but after a while of waiting and no more progress with the dilations, they went ahead with a C-section. She had to stay on bed rest for a few days and had trouble eating for a while, but she later said that she'd have another baby right away if she'd be guaranteed another C-section. Apparently it must be a lot less painful.
Aw, I can totally see your baby in the ultrasound! It kind of looks like she has a tail. Obviously she doesn't, just the way that thing stretches from down by her butt and curves up and around... She looks like a cute little squirrel! Please someone stop me if I sound offensive... Uh, my sister's baby looked like a duck in the ultrasounds. No really, it was like looking at a duck in black and white. Crazy stuff. So now my sister collects ducks for her. You should get Zoey a little stuffed squirrel from me. :3
I didn't notice that... but now that you mention it, what has been seen cannot be unseen.
Quote from: KJ on July 27, 2010, 06:03:46 PM
You should get Zoey a little stuffed squirrel from me. :3
Sam is obsessed with squirrels. She'll play with it more than Zoey. But feel free to send us one :3
Quote from: KJ on July 27, 2010, 06:03:46 PM
Aw, I can totally see your baby in the ultrasound! It kind of looks like she has a tail. Obviously she doesn't, just the way that thing stretches from down by her butt and curves up and around... She looks like a cute little squirrel!
Quote from: Mystic on July 27, 2010, 06:59:31 PM
Sam is obsessed with squirrels.
Plot twist: The baby really is a squirrel and is the result of inter-species sex. Mystic is not the daddy!
She'd never put it down.
I can offer no advice for ya, Mystic, but I can say congratulations.
Good luck with everything.
Update time!
So, August 6th. The baby shower was a bust. My mom's friend came back for the night from the lake since she was throwing the shower at her house. Another friend called and said she needed a ride, so I took Sam and we went to get her. By the time we came back, no one showed up. My mom and Carrie (the woman throwing the shower) had been calling and texting people, and they all said they couldn't make it, despite telling my mom days before they'd be there. But oh well, the few of us there still had fun. Tomorrow is pay day, so my mom says she'll be sitting in the break room at work waiting for people to bring us gifts :3
This saturday will be the big shower. That shall be fun. Doing it at a lake near Sam's house.
So, yesterday was awesome. I headed out yesterday morning to set things up with Sam, Sam's dad, an one of his friends. We ended up having to move out spot three times, but whatever. The shower went great. We received a ton of gifts, lots of people came. I'll update sometime when I can of what we got. Gist? Clothes, socks, pacifiers, a car seat, diapers, bottles, a penguin from the bear factory, and other stuff I don't remember.
On Thursday, Sam and I have to go fill out paperwork at the hospital. Joyous.
Yeah, my sister's baby shower was the same way. She was expecting about 30 people and only 8-10 showed.
Also YAY PAPERWORK!
Quote from: Mystic on August 15, 2010, 10:05:47 AM
So, yesterday was awesome. I headed out yesterday morning to set things up with Sam, Sam's dad, an one of his friends. We ended up having to move out spot three times, but whatever. The shower went great. We received a ton of gifts, lots of people came. I'll update sometime when I can of what we got. Gist? Clothes, socks, pacifiers, a car seat, diapers, bottles, a penguin from the bear factory, and other stuff I don't remember.
On Thursday, Sam and I have to go fill out paperwork at the hospital. Joyous.
All good gifts. Diapers may seem like a lame gift until you realize just how many of the things you're gonna end up buying. Car seat is also a great gift.
My sister in law is going to have her second pretty soon. A day before my birthday actually. (August 23rd)
Some may look at diapers as a lame gift, but I don't. I'll take any we can get!
Also, congradulations on the addition to your family Raz :)
Shes going into labor today. Its going to be a couple hours from now. I cant wait to get to the hospital.
Also, Im going to be an Uncle again. (Uncle 2.0)
She was born at 12:38PM today.
Her name is Rose.
Quote from: BlueFlameofAura on August 19, 2010, 02:42:22 PM
She was born at 12:38PM today.
Her name is Rose.
Congradulations :D
Sam recieved paper work for the hospital on Wednesday. Thursday, we did our pre-delivery visit. So many questions, ahhh. Tomorrow, we're doing the tour of the hospital and some shopping.
September 4th...exactly 2 weeks from today. So close.
Quote from: BlueFlameofAura on August 19, 2010, 02:42:22 PM
She was born at 12:38PM today.
Her name is Rose.
Hey, congrats.
So we went to the hospital last night. We figured once her contractions got down to under ten minutes, we should go. Well around 11:10 or so, we left, as her contractions had been hitting from 7 to 11 minutes apart. Sam had to go into triage and her mom went in with her. Her dad, sister and I waited for about an hour. They told her to come back when her contractions are 2-3 minutes apart and that she is currently dialated to 1cm.
You know, its going to happen in a couple days. Same thing happened when Rose came.
So it seems the baby is head down and facing the right. If she doesn't turn on her own (the nurse gave Sam directions on how to help her turn by sleeping a certain way), she'll have to be turned while she's coming out. Have fun with that Sam >_>
August 29th, MJ's birthday. MAKE IT HAPPEN, PUSH!
Quote from: Phaze on August 29, 2010, 02:15:13 PM
August 29th, MJ's birthday. MAKE IT HAPPEN, PUSH!
Zoey failed at getting the memo.
...So how's that whole pushing thing going?
It went fine for me :3
So, Sam went into the hospital Thursday night. I arrived after she called me and said she had been admitted.
Yesterday, she pushed for about two hours, stopping near the end to wait for our doctor to arrive. Then Zoey was born shortly after!
11:15am
6lbs 11oz
19 1/2 inches
She's the most beautiful ever! I stayed again last night with Sam and Zoey. Zoey sleeps a lot, and slept most of the night. She got her Hep B shot, her ears work perfect, and same with her eyes. She latched onto Sam for feeding well. Zoey has been easy since day one, and she continues to be Her cries aren't loud either, for now at least.
I shall post pictures later.
Congratulations (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbL3A_GT9uw), Mystic!
Congrats! Welcome to the club. We have shirts.
They're covered in spit up.
Mine's not yet. Does that mean I get to be president?
Congratulations! Just be careful, the quiet ones are always the most wild when they are older :p
Quote from: Phaze on September 04, 2010, 07:50:58 PM
Congratulations! Just be careful, the quiet ones are always the most wild when they are older :p
No wild allowed :)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs403.snc4/46630_467803211799_574636799_6579262_3096043_n.jpg)
I just realized, I could make some darn good macros out of that picture...
Quote from: Mystic on September 04, 2010, 08:42:30 PM
No wild allowed :)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs403.snc4/46630_467803211799_574636799_6579262_3096043_n.jpg)
I just realized, I could make some darn good macros out of that picture...
NO, THIS IS YOUR DAUGHTER. YOU MUSTN'T ABUSE A PICTURE OF YOUR OWN DAUGHTER.
But in all seriousness, she's adorable.
Quote from: Mystic on September 04, 2010, 08:42:30 PM
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs403.snc4/46630_467803211799_574636799_6579262_3096043_n.jpg)
<3333333
She is so much cuter now than she was then.
good job dad
Quote from: Mystic on October 19, 2011, 10:46:54 PM
She is so much cuter now than she was then.
I wanna see more pictures!
You must have tons.
Remind me when I'm not so tired to post more.
Wake up and post.
Quote from: Kayo on October 21, 2011, 09:03:42 PM
Wake up and post.
Suck my dick.
This picture makes me lulz.
[spoiler](http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/320523_1557778399705_1692622586_759121_1210634669_n.jpg)[/spoiler]
Quote from: Mystic on October 22, 2011, 10:12:59 AM
Suck my dick.
This picture makes me lulz.
[spoiler](http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/320523_1557778399705_1692622586_759121_1210634669_n.jpg)[/spoiler]
Blow me.
What's that in her hand a giant lollipop full of M&Ms?
I dunno. I wasn't there.
Looks like a carmel apple with M&Ms. And HOLY SHIT SHE'S SO CUTE, LOOK AT THOSE EYES <3
That's what it looks like. And she definitely has the prettiest blue eyes ever
She's very very cute!
Quote from: Mystic on October 23, 2011, 12:41:44 AM
That's what it looks like. And she definitely has the prettiest blue eyes ever
They're capable of hypnosis.
Quote from: Mona on October 23, 2011, 02:27:00 PM
She's very very cute!
That's because, except her nose, she looks just like her mother. She rocks my nose though :3