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BIRTH STORY!

Aminah Olivia Käser-Wadud

Born: Dec. 20, 2007

Weight: 3970 grams Length: 54 cm

Status: Stunningly Beautiful!

So I was due on Dec. 14th and went to the hospital even though nothing was happening. Aminah was in breech position so they didnt want me to go over my due date, but I was allowed to try a natural birth. I went back to the hospital on Sunday the 16th and stayed overnight while they monitored the baby and I. My husband Mitch was also there because he has taken off three months to be at home with the baby and I. on the 17th I was induced but nothing happened. They continued for the next 3 days but finally because we were physically and mentally exausted, we opted for a c-section on the 20th.
We had done everything we could to have a natural birth. I had painful contractions that didnt do anything to my cervex. By the 5h day it was dialated 1.5 cm! ha! Then I had to have a full narcosis because of minor nerve damage I had in my spine due to the pregnancy. So I have no real birth memories but at least she is here now. My husband Mitch had a great time though. He was with her the 1st hour she was outside the womb and they layed her naked on his naked chest and they are now very close and I think this helped. He can calm her down almost as easily as I can... but I have breast...haha.
Unfortunatly the story doesnt end there. I stayed another 10 days in the hospital because I bled alot after surgery, got an infection and a massive amount of blood clots! I was in so much pain. For day and just two weeks ago I was able to really more around for more than an hour or two without pain. After I left the hospital I saw a special surgeon until Jan. 23rd. My incision had to be reopened 5 times to let out old blood and I can tell you that it wasn`t fun. The 1st two time in the hospital and then also in out-patient services. The real problem is that when I was telling my doctors in the hospital that I was in more pain than normal they didnt take me seriously. They didnt do anything to help me until 6 days after Aminah was born! Can you believe it? Then there was so much more damage than necessary.
Last Sat. (Jan. 27th) I went for my 1st walk and even though I was in pain, I am starting to feel like myself again. On a positive note, my husband is amazing and does everything for Aminah and I. Aminah is also a doll. She sleeps at least 4 hours straight through the night, and she is chill and easy. I love the two of them more than anything and I`m really lucky.
I think I will have to wait at least two years before I think about more kids... this wasnt fun but it was so worth it! Yeah to babies

Imani

Hello Mommies!

My name is Imani and I am now 23 weeks pregnant. My fiance (Mitch) and I are expecting our 1st child. We are getting married in September. Everything is really exciting for us right now. We found out April 10th that we were pregnant and that was a real surprise. Now she is the most important thing in our life! Its funny how in such a short time everything can change. we are looking forward to her in December.

I have been living in Regensburg, Germany (Bavaria) for two years now. Before that I was an English teacher in France and before that I lived in Philly... after I finnished college. Its been a crazy ride, but now i can't imagine how it would be without my little family. Mitch and our little girl! Well I finnally decided to become a VIP because I read this site all the time but I guess I've been a little too lazy to start my own site!

I'll update again later... Looking forward to talking to all of you future parents. Especially y'all that are living in Europe...

October 24, 2007

So its been awhile since I updated but Mitch and I were married on the 27th of September. We had a really cute civil union and then lunch in town and then and amazing reception later that night. It was better than I could have ever hoped. When I get a chance I'll post a picture or two. Its so funny... Luella Olivia (our baby) was dancing right along with me the whole time. Since I am in Germany, I was really nice for my mum and my sister Asiya to be here to celebrate with me.

Since the wedding things haven't really even slowed down. I found out 5 days after that I have Gestational Diabetes but I have changed my diet and don't want to take insulin unless its really necessary. My doctor said that Lula is healthy and not too big so we will wait and see.

I am going to my last Yoga class today at my midwifes house. Two of the ladies there have already had their kids. I mean its amazing. Every time I really think about what's going on in our bodies I get the chills. Fantastic. I can't wait to meet her, but then again we still have some last minute things to do before she gets here. The next weeks will be fun waiting for her arrival because who can really plan for that. I am just taking it easy and now that I dont have to work (In germany you get the last 8 weeks off from work and then up to a 12 months off after the birth as well... 70%PAID) and I am really enjoying my alone time with Mitch until she arrives. Well I'll keep y'all updated more often now as the weeks wind down.

Good luck to all you Mommies out there.

Imani