Riley loves to cuddle with mommy and Daddy

Riley loves to cuddle up and sleep with his mommy and daddy. I think Dan and I love it just as much as Riley does, or maybe even more. It is so much fun to just watch him sleep and see all the faces he makes. He is so warm fun to hold. Here are some pictures of our cuddle time with baby Riley. We fall asleep a lot.

Aunt Tina and Uncle Eric

Today Tina and Eric came over to meet their new nephew. We had a great time hanging out. Riley cried when Eric held him but it was only because he was hungry, but we gave Eric a hard time about it. Hopefully we will know the sex of Tina and Eric's baby soon. Riley can't wait to have another cousin to play with.

4 generations

Today my mom brought over my grandma Sarah so that she could meet Riley. We took a picture of the 4 generations. Grandma Sarah had a lot of fun holding her great grandson.

Riley's first Dr. Appointment

Today Riley is 4 days old and he had his first Dr. appointment. The doctor said everything looked great. His color was good, his refluxes were good and he had gained back 2 oz from when we were discharged so he is now 6lbs 12oz. He is now 19.25 in long, this is because his cone head went done. haha. They gave us a referral for an ultrasound to look and his kidneys and bladder so we will schedule that for some time next week. He is peeing and pooping and doing everything a healthy baby should and the doctors are very pleased. We will keep you updated on the ultrasound.

We get to take him home.

Today we got discharged from the Hospital and I can't believe we get to take our little baby home. We are so excited to finally bring Riley home and show him his new house and for him to meet his sister and brother Daisy and Duke. The car ride was great. Dan did like 45 on the freeway and was so cautious. I have never seen him drive so good. We made it home and first went in to greet the dogs. They were so happy to see us. We let them smell the hospital blankets and they were so excited. Then we brought Riley in and showed him his new house. The dogs did great. My mom was there to help us and stayed for a little while. Our lives have changed so much over night, but it is the greatest thing that has happened to us. We could not be any happier.

Proud papa Jack and Oma Linda

Papa Jack and OmaLinda are so happy baby Riley is finally hear, Oma was in the room when Riley was born and was so happy she cried. Papa Jack came in shortly after Riley was born and was so excited when he got to hold him.

Our Family is now complete

We are so happy, our family is now complete.Riley is the greatest gift and Dan and I are so in love with our little boy.

Introducing Riley Joseph Golbeck

Riley was Born 8/25/08 at 8:26 PM at Tacoma General. He weighed 6lbs 15oz and was 19.5 in long. He is perfect in every way

Thank You. You are the best

I had the best nurses during my labor and delivery, I want to thank them all for all there support. I am also very grateful for Dr. Kovanda who stayed at the hospital just for me and delivered Riley.

My support team

I had the best support team throughout my labor. Dan was a great coach and I was very proud of him. I also had my mom. I am so happy she was there I couldn't have done it with out her. My sister Leslie was also there and I was so happy to share this experience with her. I got to be with her when my nephew Liam was born. My best friend Rachel was also there for the delivery. I am so happy Riley decided to come early so she could be there.

My Labor Story.

After being on bed rest for 3 weeks I was so happy to be back to normal. I went back to work for one day and then had my baby shower. I was supposed to go to work the night after my shower but was not feeling well. I ate a lot of bad stuff at the shower so I thought I just felt bad because of high blood sugar. I was in the baby's room putting things away when I got a strange feeling. I felt sick to my stomach and got very bad blurred vision. Then started seeing spots and bright lights out of my left eye. I came down stairs and sat down. I checked my blood sugar and it was normal, so I tried to eat something. I still was not feeling well and after a little while started getting a really bad headache. I checked my blood pressure and it was very high. I was started to get worried, I was hoping that I didn't have another complication in this pregnancy. I called work to tell them what was going on and they advised me to come in and be seen to rule out pregnancy induced hypertension. So Dan and I got all the bags(just in case) and headed to the hospital. When we got there I was feeling a little better but started to have contractions but they were not painful. My blood pressure was a little high one time and all my blood work came back ok. They checked my cervix and I was 1.5 cm. Since I was now considered full term (37.3 weeks) they told me I could walk to see if I was in labor. So Dan and I walked the hospital. When they rechecked my cervix I had made a little change to 2 cm. This meant I got to stay. The contractions became more painful but were in my back. I kept changing positions to change the babies position and when they checked me again in the morning my cervix didn't really change but they said that the baby was engaged into the pelvis. In the morning I thought they would send me home because I didn't make much progress so I sent Dan home to let the dogs out and rest and told him I would call if anything changed. About an hour latter the doctor came in and checked my cervix and it was now at 3 cm and my contractions were getting closer together so she said "lets break your water and get things going" I couldn't believe it I was so excited, the day I have been waiting for the last 9 months is finally here. I called Dan and I could tell he had been sleeping, I said get back to the hospital we are having a baby today. It was so cute he said "why". I think he was in shock. I then called my mom and family and told them today is the day. The doctor broke my water at 9am and the contractions started to get worse. Then they started the pitocin ( a drug that makes you have more contractions) I walked around and used the birthing ball for a while. The contractions were getting even stronger. My mom, Dan and my sister Leslie were all there for support. I was doing good breathing through my contractions so I sent everyone to go eat while I got in the bath tub. As soon as they left I went form having contractions every 3-5 minutes on a pain scale of 5-6 to having them every 1-2 minutes pain scale 8-9. At this time I was ready for my epidural. I called Dan and said get up here now. I was very proud of myself for going so long with out the epidural, everyone thought I would have to get it right away but I didn't. The epidural was the best thing ever. I am so happy I got it. After my epidural the nurse checked my cervix and I was dilated to 4 cm. I thought to myself this is going to take forever. By 4pm I was only at 5 cm. By this time my best friend Rachel was here as well as my Dad and everyone was hanging out. I finally sent everyone to dinner around 6 and by 630 I was dilated to 9.5cm. It seems that everything happens when I send people away. A few minutes latter I was complete and ready to push. I said get my husband up here now. I pushed for about an hour and a half and Riley was born at 8:26pm. I had the best support team. Dan, my mom, my sister Leslie and my best friend Rachel were all there. Dan was the best husband and support partner. I was very proud of him. He cut the cord and everything. It was so emotional when he was born, Everyone was in tears. I can't even describe how I felt when I saw Riley and heard his cry for the first time. I still cry thinking about it or when I watch the video or look at the pictures. My labor was about 12 hours total and it was the best experience. I would not change anything about it. All the people i love were there. After he was born my Dad, Dad and Diane and Bernie and Mary all came in to see the baby. I had the best nurses throughout my labor and the best thing of all Dr. Kovanda stayed at the Hospital just for me and delivered Riley. This is the best day of my life and I will never forget it.

Happy birthday Daisy

Today is Daisy's 2nd Birthday .

more pictures of the baby Shower

Our last baby shower

My two best friends Rachel and Becky gave me a perfect baby shower. We had a lot of yummy food and played many fun games. I had a great time. Now we are all ready for Riley to come. Thank you so much Rachel and Becky

37 weeks and back to work

Today I am 37 weeks pregnant, only 3 weeks or less to go. I went and saw Dr. Kovanda today and she said everything was looking good. She didn't check my cervix today but says if I am feeling ok I can go back to work. YEA, I was so happy to hear that, I have been off my medication for a week and a half and finally feel like myself again. Bed rest was so boring and I am so happy to be back at work, I went straight from my appointment to work, I had a great night. everyone was happy to see me and my patient had a baby. Hopefully I can get a few days of work in and get some more vacation before Riley decides to come. I am in the right spot if he decides to come while I am at work. I thought it would be hard but actually it felt really good to be back at work and feeling like myself again. Well see how long this last before I go into labor.

Our last Ultrasound

I went to our last ultrasound appointment today. My best friend Rachel went with me and I was so happy she came. Everything is about the same with his bladder and kidneys. His left kidney is still very small but the right one is perfect and functioning. My fluid level is good and Riley weighs an estimate of 6 lbs. I can't believe how big he is getting and how close we are to meeting him. I can't wait. He is still head down, YEA. Rachel had a good time. it is the first ultrasound she has seen, I think it is making her want a baby, well I hope so. Thank you Rachel for coming with me, it was very special for you to be there. =) Hopefully Riley will come before Rachel has to leave (Sep 3). well see.........................

New belly Pics

Pictures of the belly 36.2 weeks

36 weeks today and a Visit to the Doctor.

Today I am 36 weeks. Yea . I am getting so big. I went to the doctor today and she said everything looks great. My cervix is dilated to 1.5 cm and 70% effaced. She said he is head down (thank God) but his head is still really high which means he is not in my pelvis yet. I can't wait for that day so then I will be able to breath. I saw the dietitian yesterday and she said I am doing a good job on my blood sugars so I am still diet controlled. This is one of the hardest things to do. I want chocolate and sweets so bad I can hardly stand it. I already have a list of things that Dan has to get me once Riley is out. Dan is very supportive and keeps a tight watch on my diet. Except when he gets yummy Starbucks right in front of me. =(. well only a few more weeks of this diet. Other good news is I only have to be on bedrest for 1 more week, Then I can start to do more things because I will be full term. Dr. said I can even go back to work if things look good at next appointment. I am very excited about this. I want to go back to work so bad, even if it is only for a couple weeks. I work at the birth center so I will be in the right place. We have an ultrasound on Wednesday and I can't wait to see how Riley is doing and how big he is now. I will let all of you know how it goes.

Meeting the Pediatrician

Today Dan took a comp day at work so he could go with me to meet Riley's pediatrician. We are seeing a pediatrician in Tacoma because it was recommended by the perinatolgist that has been working with us throughout the pregnancy. The office was very nice. They have two different areas, one where most of the sick kids go and then they have a different office upstairs where they do all the well child checks. This is nice because all the babies and kids up there are not sick. They also offer free parenting classes which will be very nice and come in handy. The Doctor that Riley will see was out of town but we met with another doctor in the clinic who was very nice and answered a lot of our questions. The office has 5 different doctors as well as nurse practitioners so there is always someone available, even after hours. The doctor explained to us that Riley will probably have a work up 5-7 days after he is born to check on the status of his kidneys and bladder, and that most babies born with one kidney do great. She answered all our questions and when we were done with the appointment we felt much better about the care that Riley will get after he is born. A lot of our fears were lessened, although some are still there and will be until our little boy is here and healthy. We are very happy with the pediatrician office that we choose. We know they will take great care of our little man.

The bags are all packed

With only a few weeks left I figured I better get things ready. We got out car seat, we just have to put it in the car. I have the baby's bag packed as well as my bags. Everything is ready to go. So when the day comes all we have to do is grab everything and go to the hospital. I am getting very excited. The count down is on. I see my doctor on Friday and I am hoping I can stop my medication. I will keep you informed.

Friends come to visit.

My friends Veronica and Garcia came over today to visit. It was so nice to see them and to have company over. It was nice just to talk and spend time with people because I have been getting so bored and lonely on bed rest. Garcia is pregnant and due in 1 week. I am a little jealous that she is having her little boy any day now but I know I have to be patient and let little Riley grow a little longer. Thank you Veronica and Garcia you made my day and I am so happy you both came over. =)))

Happy Anniversary Dad and Mom

Today is my parents 24th wedding anniversary. WOW I can't believe it was been that many years. I can't wait until the day Dan and I make it that far. I love my parents very much and I am grateful for them everyday. Happy Anniversary dad and mom, I love you very much.

Rock a bye doggy

Dan was in Riley's room and rocking in the glider and Duke wanted up. He jumped up on Dan's lap and cuddled while Dan rocked. He loved it and did not want to stop. It was so cute. I told Dan that he was getting good practice for midnight feedings. He just laughed.

35 weeks

I have made it another week. Yea. I am still on bed rest but I am another week pregnant so that is great. I have been taking it easy but I am started to become very bored. I am a total couch potato. I have not been having contractions which is a good thing but I am still having horrible side effects from the medication. I am hoping that I will be able to stop taking it soon. I see Dr. Kovanda in one week and we will have to wait and see what she says. I can't believe I am almost done and only 5 weeks or sooner from being a mom. I have so many emotions going through my head right now I feel like I am going crazy sometimes. I am so excited but at the same time I am scared to death. Dan is doing a great job working and taking care of me as well as my mom. I don't know what I would do without either one of them.

This Medication sucks.

The medication I was started on in the Hospital and was told to continue to take while on bedrest is helping the contractions but the side effects suck. They warned me about these side effects and for the first two days of the medication I felt fine, but then I got almost every side effect there is. The Medication is to stop my contractions but it is classified as a cardiac medication usually used for blood pressure. The side effects are Headache, nausea, heartburn, sweating, flushing, and a couple others. The worst for me is the headaches. every time I take the medication I get a horrible headache. I usually just have to lay down and put ice on my head. I avoid taking anything for the pain because I don't want more medication in my body or going to Riley. The other side effect that is horrible is the flushing and sweating. I feel like I am on fire and my skin turns all pink and I feel clammy. This really sucks when it is so hot out to begin with. The other nasty side effect is the nausea. I thought I was done with that in the first trimester, well I was wrong. This medication makes me very nauseous and it is even worse when you combine it with the headache. I have to take the medication every 6 hours so as soon as all my side effects go away I am due for another dose and the cycle starts all over. Well I know it sucks but it is whats best for me and Riley. My Doctor said she will take me off the medication between 36 and 37 weeks which is only a couple weeks away. Hopefully it will get better. If anyone was any non medication tricks on how to relieve some of these side effects please fill me in on them. You will be my best friend forever.

Dan's Interview

Dan had an interview today with the Black Diamond Police department. He was all dressed up in a suit and looked so handsome. He said the interview went really well. Keep your fingers crossed that he made it to the next step in the process. We will keep you all updated. He has been working so hard for his dreams to come true and I am so proud of him.

Check out my ride

I have so many things to get done before the baby comes I needed to go shopping for house hold things and things to pack in my hospital bag. Mom took me to our favorite store Wally world otherwise known as walmart and because I am not supposed to be on my feet I got to shop in style and comfort. check out the photo above. It was really fun driving the motorized chair all around the store. It was so funny because the chair beeped when you backed up. I did a pretty good job driving, I only bumped into one thing and I never hit mom. It was nice getting things done and following the bed rest rules at the same time. Now I can pack for the hospital. Thanks for taking me shopping mom, I had a lot of fun.

I am Home but on bed rest. My mom is the best

I am so happy to be home. Dan and the dogs are very happy I am home as well. Dan has been doing a great job running things while I was away. As everyone probably already knows I am a busy body and it is very hard for me to sit still which for a person on bed rest is miserable. I am also what they call nesting right now and have the urge to clean everything in site, wash on the babies clothes and organize my whole house. Because I am on bed rest I can't do that...... Thank God for moms. My mom came over today and cleaned like crazy. She was organizing, scrubbing furniture and cleaning everything in site. She got a lot done and said she will be back. Thank You so much mom. I love you so much and don't know what I would do with out you.

YEA I get to go home.

Dr. Kovanda came and saw me this afternoon and gave me good news. That news was I get to go home. I was so excited to hear those words. She said I needed to be on bed rest and to continue the medication but everything looked good. Dan had to work so I called my mom the second Dr. Kovanda left and said get me the heck out of here and she did. I was at the hospital 5 days and although everyone was great and Riley and I had the best care I was so ready to get home. I missed Dan and my puppies so much. I was also ready for some normal food and a comfortable bed. The hospital food was not the greatest and they were very strict with my diet because of the Diabetes. I want to thank everyone who came to visit and for all the nurses who took care of me. Hopefully I will not have to be back at the hospital until Riley is born. I will keep all of you updated on my bed rest. I have a feeling it will not be fun or easy but I know it is the best thing.

Still in the Hospital but we made it to our class.

So the doctor came by this morning and because I am still contracting she said I needed to stay another night in the Hospital. The good news is my cervix has not changed. well actually it has but it has gotten thicker, most people don't know but the cervix can get thicker with bed rest. I am still dilated to one centimeters. She did say I could take a wheel chair ride upstairs and go to the birthing class. Dan met me at the hospital and we went to class. Dan had fun driving me all over the hospital in the wheel chair. I was only a little scarred. Just joking. The class was good. We learned a lot of useful information such as positions and breathing techniques. I told Dan now that I know how to breathe we can have the baby. hahaha. I am very glad we went I think that it will be very useful. I was very happy to get out of my hospital room and spend the day with Dan. This was a great bonding experience and I am so glad we got to due it. After the class I was very tired. Dan had to go which made me sad but he had to get back to the puppies. I have been relaxing and taking it easy. Dr. Kovanda will be here in the morning and hopefully she will say I can go home. I know I will be on bed rest but it will be nice if I can be at home with my husband and babies, not to mention better food. I will keep you all updated.

Still a patient stuck in a bed

So I am still at the Hospital and it feels like I have been here forever. I have been here since Wednesday night and I am so bored. I have had many visitors. Leslie and Liam have been here a couple times. Leslie brought me all kinds of things to keep me busy and a cute teddy bear. Dan has also been here with me but also having to take care of our sick little girl and work. My mom was been here a couple times. Kim and they boys came by and brought me a nice plant. Jeff and Jade stopped by and hung out with me for awhile. My favorite neighbors Nicolle and Larry stopped by today and brought me lots of goodies. I have also had many nurses stop by a say Hi. It has been so nice to see everyone. I finished my antibiotics today and they took my IV out. My contractions have slowed down so I have not had to get anymore shots but I am still on the oral medication. My blood sugars are back to normal now so no more insulin, thank god. For the most part I had a pretty good day, except earlier in the evening I had a horrible headache and was very nauseous. After laying down for a while and putting ice on my neck I felt better in a couple hours. The nurses said it may be a side effect from the medication. I am really missing home and am getting sick of the hospital but I know this is what is best for me and Riley. I see the doctor in the morning and may get discharged. Dan and I have our birthing class tomorrow so I hope we can make it. An update on Daisy is that she is getting better, Dan says she hates her ear drops and says he has to pin her to the ground to get them in. I told him he is practicing for Riley. Just Joking. I am glad she is doing better. I will keep all of you updated on all of us. Thank you to everyone who has come by to visit me or called me on the phone. I love you all.

Night Number 2 in the hospital

After I was moved to the perinatal unit I continued to be monitored for contractions. I was still having them but they were spacing out. I was still getting shots of medication to stop the contractions and was also started on an oral medication as well. I am also getting 2 different antibiotics through an IV. The steroids I got have made my blood sugars sky high so I have also been getting insulin. I think up to now I have had 3 shots in my booty and about 10 in my arms. It is really hard to be a patient when I am so used to being the nurse taking care of others. I am doing my best and trying to be good. Riley is going good, all the nurses say he is the best baby they have seen on the monitors. I am 34 weeks today. They say if he was born today he would probably do OK but I am going to do my best to let him cook a little longer.