Labor Story...

This is our official last family portrait before the birth,

Adriana Emilia Alberico finally graced us with her presence at 5:08 PM 

on November 14th, 2010.

She weighed 7 Lbs., 7 Oz. 

Here is how it all went down...

When her due date, November 1oth came and went, I started to get frustrated since I hate when things are late but after a lot of long walks/hikes/sightseeing, she finally decided to show up on her own time on Sunday, November 14th 

(4 days late). 

Sunday morning I awoke at 4AM with some noticeable contractions which I started timing. Around 5:30 AM when I realized this was it, I woke up Paul and he agreed I was in the stages of early labor. He roused me out of bed and suggested I take a bath which definitely helped with my contractions which got stronger each time. After my bath I went back upstairs to bed since Dr. P assumed it would be a LONG day, but as soon as I laid down, POP, my water broke! I was hysterically laughing since it was very unexpected but thankfully I still had my towel and howled for Paul. This was all around 7 AM and from then on we gathered all my stuff and headed to the hospital.

We got to the hospital quickly (by 7:30 AM) where they confirmed what we already knew, I was in labor! 

The contractions were intense, much more than I had imagined so by 10:30 I threw my no drugs birth plan out the window and asked for an Epidural; I now owe Paul $5. 

The Epidural did its job and I took a much-needed 2 hour nap. 

When I awoke around noon, Paul and my Parents brought me some lunch (Grilled Cheese Sandwich & White Chocolate Macadamia Cookie).

(Yikes, look at that hair!)

The contractions continued but I was progressing slowly so we started Pitocin to get things moving since my water had already broken. 

By 3PM-4PM, I had progressed fast enough that we could start pushing. 

I was moved to the delivery table around 4:30 or so and by 5:08 PM we had a baby!

It was hardly a silent birth so I owe Paul another $5. 

Man, that was intense and when Dr. Kubota asked if I was ready for another, 

I quickly said NO!

She was very purple when she came out but got her color quickly. 

It was a packed labor deck so I had to share a room, which was not ideal but it all worked out and I only ended up staying 2 days, instead of the standard 3 in the hospital.

Dr. P showed me how to change a diaper. 

& She made the baby Wall O' Babies.

Look at that Precious Mug,

When we got home, Bilroy got to meet his new BFF 

(he just hasn't realized it yet).

Thankfully Jose had given him a bath so he was sparkling clean. 

Of course Mom & Dad cannot get enough of the baby:

& neither can we,

On Friday we went for her follow up Dr. appointment, where we were both given a clean bill of health.

Now for a few of our favorite pictures from week 1,

Here she is looking like her dad,

Mom believes a red string get rid on the forehead gets rid of hiccups, 

not sure if it works but makes for a cute picture.

1st Bath at Home,

We are so happy to have her home,

and enjoying every minute. 

She sleeps like an angel.

<3 N & P

Whatch out, we are moving in.

Sorry in the delay in posting all of this but needless to say,

we have been very busy.

First we will start with some some shopping

and a lesson in Engrish.

Our favorite store is called You Me Town and it is part Department Store and part Grocery Store. There is lots to look at and play with.

Like this display which will teach you to be a sexy girl:

Or maybe this interesting toothbrush set, uhm no thanks:

Or maybe a new oulfit for our funky & qutie baby Adriana:

Or some dietery supplements like Jesus/Jedus Body:

Shhh...

But of course my favorite shopping always involves food.

Produce

  

Soy Sauce Isle

  

Fried Food Section

Bakery

Boy Treats

Franzia in a Bottle!!! It's # 1.

& Tiny Beer

We have also continued to enjoyed the dining options.

& our dining buddies, Lauren & Jessica.

Now on to our new house

Here is Dr. P Singing the Lease

& our deposit of $607,000 Yen (ouch).

Touring the Empty House Pre Moving Day:

Moving Day:

Dr. P Putting Together our New IKEA Bed (He Did a Great Job):

 & Also with the Kitchen Cart for the Dishwasher...

Welcome to Casa Albericosan...

The Landscaping is a work in progress.

This is Boy's Patch of Grass.

The Entrance has Storage Cabinets for Shoes & House Slippers

since NO Shoes in Casa Albericosan,

It's in our contract.

The Main Downstairs Hallway, Kitchen/Living Room ahead,

Dining to the Right & Bathroom on left.

Kitchen

This is our Crazy Eye Sore of a Dishwasher

It is still not hooked up and I have no idea how to use it, but it will work!

& I love our fancy Japanese Refridgerator which opens on the left & right:

Living Room

Dining  Room

 

Bathroom

The Washer & Dryer is also another it will work situation;

since it did not quite fit, they made it fit...sideways.

It is located in our washroom,

 

Which is next to the shower/tub room,

& then our warming toilet with sink & Hello Kitty TP.

 Now Upstairs...

Master

Guest Room

Baby Room

Very much a work in progress...

I am missing the changing table/dresser (coming soon)

& the crib which will take 3-6 months to get here!

I am missing pictures of my office, but only because it is a hot mess (literally)...

My winter closet is ready though which is not really needed considering it is hotter than hades here.

Dr. P climbed Mt. Fuji on Saturday, he loved it and the altitude was his only complaint.

He will be gone for 2 weeks curing Marines as they injure themselves. I am here by myself but thankfully have Bilroy (& Adriana) to keep me company.

I had one check-up since I have been here, all is good in prego land.

I still need to go visit Dr. Soji the Japanese doctor that will be delivering me here in Iwakuni. They offer tours of his clinic with a translator so I will be sure to sign up for that first.

Driving on the left hand side of the road is a breeze, you just need to remember "Hiney to the Liney" and you are good to go; I have had only 2 minor encounters, one with a bike and one with a motorcycle but my car is bigger ; )

Next up this week is getting my cable up and running since I am getting tired of DVDs 

and introducing myself to the neighbors. It is customary to bring them a small gift (nothing too big or they feel obligated to buy you something as well); I hear they love American Chocolate, we will see.

Adios,

<3 Norma, Dr. P, The Boy & Adriana, AKA the Albericosans.