3-31-2011 Reid Patrick Estrada Has Arrived!!

Our adorable Reid has arrived, to our surprise over two weeks early.  He was born March 31, 2011 at 5:37am.  He weighed 7lbs. 8oz. and was 20in. long.  We are so in love and have enjoyed every moment of his arrival.

March 30, 2011
I had a normal day at work, without feeling any different from the previous day.  We had a meeting until 4 and then I ran to the grocery store on the way home.  Came home, took a shower, and sat down on the computer to check my email before cooking dinner.  Little did I know I wouldn't be cooking dinner that night, but rather heading to the hospital.  Around 5:30pm, while on the computer, my water broke.  I wasn't sure at first because I had felt great all day, but then realized this could really be happening.  I called the doctor and she said that my symptoms sounded like my water did break and I needed to go straight to the hospital for them to check me.  So many thoughts were going in my head at the time...this is really early, we aren't ready, I will probably go and they will send me home.  Luckily I had packed most of my bag and Reid's, but I was still frantically throwing things together.  Kevin was at his parents for the day, knowing that he probably wouldn't see them until Reid was born.  I called up my parents and they headed right over to the house to pick me up and we headed to Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach.  Kevin beat us to the hospital so I was able to check-in with him at my side.  And the long night begins...

7:30pm- Checked into a room
8:00pm - Nurse came in and checked me and told me that I was dilated to 5cm and that I was going to be having a baby- What 5cm and I was feeling good!!

Last Belly Shot 37 1/2 weeks

2 soon to be 3

9:00pm-?  My contractions started getting stronger so I decided to get my epidural at about 6cm.

#1 Coach and Husband

12:00am - The epidural was great besides a little nausea, since I hadn't eaten anything since lunchtime.  My labor was not progressing so I got some petocin to speed up the process.  Well, it certainly sped up...

I love epidurals...when they work properly

3:00am - My epidural started wearing off on my right side of my body and I was feeling some serious contractions, even when I laid on my side.  The anesthesiologist came back in to give me a shot straight into my back.  He came back after 10 minutes because it wasn't working and I was in a ton of pain.  He moved the IV a little and injected me again.  Then he said he was going into a c-section and wouldn't be out for 45 minutes.  At that time Kevin and I prayed hard core that the shot would work.  The nurse checked me and I was at 10cm - YEP contractions on my right side at 10cm-it was brutal.  My prayers were answered and the shot kicked in.
4:00-5:30 - Pushed periodically.  At this time I realized how amazing my nurse and Kevin were.  Kevin was the best "coach" ever.  I couldn't have done it without him.  When I was in so much pain he kept me calm and motivated me when I was exhausted from pushing.  At around 5pm I was ready to deliver, but we had to wait for the doctor (my doctor did not deliver Reid) to get out of a c-section.  So I sat there waiting (I might have even fallen asleep) for almost 30 minutes.  Dr. Barber came in, I pushed a few times and he was out.  Kevin and I immediately welled up with tears of joy.  A true gift from God.  It was the most amazing feeling holding him in my arms for the very first time. 

The Estrada Family

Mommy is in Love!

Proud Daddy!

Looking back at this long night I wouldn't change it for the world.  I have the most precious little boy and have started an amazing family.  Kevin has been my rock through all of this and it makes me melt to see him hold Reid in his arms.  I am truly blessed and grateful for a healthy baby Reid. 

Proud Grandparents

 

1st Grandchild

Yeah, we get to go home

Watching TV with Daddy

Adorable!

Moving Right Along!

We went to the doctor's last Tuesday,  and as I predicted I am progressing a little quicker than my April 18th due date.  I had a REALLY busy week prior to the appointment and overdid it.  I am already dilated to 2cm and was told I needed to take it easy for 5 days until I reach full term.  I wasn't put on bed rest, but need to stay off my feet as much as possible and not workout.  This has been the hardest 5 days because I am an active person and love going to the gym.  Just sitting around doesn't do it for me, but I know it is the best for me and Reid.  Monday marks 37 weeks and I am officially full term.  I am hoping to do some light exercising next week.  We see the doctor again on Thursday to see how I am progressing.  The realization that Reid could be here within the next three weeks has set in and I am anxious, excited, and nervous all at the same time.  Kevin and I just completed the "Super Saturday" childbirth prep class at Hoag.  It was quite the experience-haha!  It is hard for me to take some of those things seriously, but it was good bonding time with Kev and I did learn a few new things.  It am lucky to have two older sisters with kids that have answered many of my questions.  
With the due date right around the corner, Kev and I have been working hard to get Reid's room all ready to go.  I am happy with how it has turned out so far.  We have another painting that Daddy is going to do for above the changing table.

37 Weeks - Officially Full Term!

Reid's Surfs Up Room!

Reid Gets Showered!

The past couple of weeks we have had two showers and one more this week.  Reid has been showered with so many wonderful gifts.  His room is definitely getting full.  We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful family and friends.

We go to the doctor this Tuesday and I am very anxious for the update since we only have 4 more weeks to go.  After that appointment we will be going once a week.  Still feeling good, but if I do too much or are on my feet too much throughout the day I really feel it.  I plan on working for 3 more weeks so I can relax a little before Reid decides to make is debut.

 

 

36 Weeks

35 Weeks

The Hosts (sister Heather, mom, and sister Nichole) -Thanks for an amazing shower!

Had to get one with the brother, Chad

Awesome Cake!

 

My Talented Husband!

Here are pictures of the letters that Kevin painted for Reid's room.  They are absolutely amazing and I LOVE how they turned out!

34 Weeks!

6 more weeks to go!
I can hardly wait for little Reid to get here.  I have hit that stage where I am tired of being pregnant and just want to hold him in my arms.  His room is coming right along, just waiting on some paintings from Daddy.  It is so great that Kev is a painter because we never have to go out and look or buy paintings to decorate our house.  It is the talent that just keeps on giving.
I am still feeling good!  I'm getting more and more uncomfortable at night with this big basketball in the front of me and going to the bathroom quite a bit, but at least I fall right back to sleep since I have been so tired.  Still working out as much as I can because that seems to keep my energy level up.  I go to this Fit Fusion class every Tuesday and Thursday night at the gym and it is so funny because the instructor likes to joke around with me and uses me as a motivator for others in the class.  She will call me "fatty" and say things like, "Ashley is going to have a baby in 7 weeks and look at her doing it, come on!"  It is hilarious.  The Renaissance Club Sport is an amazing place.  I don't think I would have had this easy of a pregnancy if it wasn't for that place.  I love the classes (RIPPED and Fit Fusion), instructors, and amenities.  Thank you to my sister, Nichole, for introducing me to this wonderful place.  You pay a little more than a normal gym, but it is anything but normal.  Plus like she says "you can't put a price on your health!"

33 Weeks

34 Weeks

9 Years!

February 20th marks 9 years when Kevin and I started dating.  It is crazy to think how quickly 9 years has gone and how far we have come.  We started dating at Pepperdine and then after two years he went to play minor league baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals (of course, not a local team).  This was the HARDEST and most trying time in our relationship.  For four years he was gone for 6 months out of the year playing.  I was able to visit him at least once each season, but talk about heart break everytime I had to drop him off at LAX to report to Spring Training.  Many tears were shed throughout those 4 years, but I know it only made our relationship stronger.  When he was released it was bitter sweet (I think I took it harder than him because I knew it was a dream of his to play in the Big Leagues).  Since then we have got married, bought a house, and are going to have a family of 3 in two months.  I think of where we have come and where we are going and I am so excited for this adventure with the love of my life and my best friend.  He truly is an amazing individual with the biggest heart and I know he is going to make the best Daddy.  Can't wait for another wonderful 9 years, Love you babe!

Kevin had me listen to this song the other night called "God gave me you" by Dave Barnes.  It truly is an amazing song and I wanted to share it.  I am just so blessed to have the the most incredible man in my life.

 

This is where Kevin and I first met-Rho Dorm at Pepperdine

9 Years later- Kev, me & baby Reid

32 Weeks (2 Months to go!)

Last weekend Kevin had his Pepperdine Baseball Alumni game.  It was another gorgeous day in Malibu (as you can see by the pictures).  It was great to see everyone and this time I had a chance to walk around the campus as well.

Some of the stairs to campus

It's all worth it when you get to the top!

I miss seeing this view everyday

Pepperdine Waves Baseball - I have seen a few games on this field

My practice and game field - So many wonderful memories were created on this field!

My #1 Baseball Player

Watching Kevin play baseball never gets old =)

Growing by the day!

I feel at this point, the third trimester, my belly grows bigger everyday.  I'm still working out 4 times a week just modifying some things in the classes I take or going on the elliptical.  I find my energy level dwindling again, but exercising helps so much.  Reid is very active at certain times during the day and he is quite strong too.  He is getting ready to be a future baseball/soccer player!  I now start going to the doctor every 2 weeks.  I can't believe how quickly it has gone by.  In two more months our little man will be here.  I'm starting to really get his room ready because I want to work as long as I can.  I will post pictures when it is all finished.

30 Weeks

31 Weeks

Another "rough" weekend in Palm Desert!!