The 24 Hours Leading to My Arrival: 3/17-3/18/11

Hi ZZ Fans,
Welcome to my our new blog!  Since I'm out of the womb now and heavily dependent on Mom and Dad both to provide for me, I struck a deal to cut them in on blogging.  Besides, Dr. Rezvani banked my computer with the cord blood so I have to borrow Mom's computer.  I have a new name (though you can still call me Ziggy), a new web address, even a new e-mail (zoezarwi@gmail.com).  And I have lots to say about my new experiences on the outside.  But first, some unfinished business. 
Mom, I love you, but What the Heck?  Why did you have to go and spoil a great thing we had going?  It was a win-win situation when I was in the womb: you could eat whatever you wanted, sleep whenever you wanted, go wherever you wanted with Daddy.  I could hang out all warm and snuggly, and if I peed you wouldn't have to clean it up.  But no, you had to go to the doctors and mess with our good thing.  I know you love me and you are happy I am here, but let me remind you and tell our readers about what went down on Z-Day Eve. 
It was a lovely Thursday morning on 3/17/11.  It was a distinctly green day, with lots of celebration for a Saint named Patrick.  I decided to have a little Irish Cream with my amniotic fluid that morning to join in the fun (shhh don't tell Mom).  I think the doctors took notice, because my amniotic fluid was below average and I was pretty mellow in my non-stress test.  The Fetal Medicine doctors insisted that my birthday must be that same day or the next day.  Mom, Dad and I collectively responded, Wha-Wha-What????  It was no joke, though -- I was coming for real, like it or not.  The doctors talked to my OB Dr. Rezvani, who scheduled a C-Section for Friday 3/18 at 4pm.  Double Wha-Wha-What????  All three of us were preparing for a natural birth, and I was not about to let the doctors rob me of my first water slide ride without an extra examination.  So we all took a trip to Dr. Rezvani's office for my final pre-birth visit.  He could tell we were anxious.  He said, "are you anxious?"  Long story short, he felt my head close to exit and told us we were a-ok for the slip-n-slide ride.  He told us to meet him at the hospital at 9am on March 18. 
Once that was settled, we all went out to celebrate with dinner at Bensi and cupcake-shakes at BuCu.  We had a good-night's sleep and headed straight to the hospital at 915am sharp (Dad is a little slow).  On the way, we called my grandparents and my aunts and uncles.  Yiayia said, "ok, I'll meet you at the hospital as soon as Rafael finishes construction on my living room."  Uncle George said, "Today? Really?  Awesome!  Awesome!...Awesome!.......Awesome!"  Situ finally picked up the phone after six calls and said, "I'll call you back."  Mom checked into the hospital and got an IV of Pitocin to start contractions.  Yiayia and Papou did not wait for Rafael, they were there immediately.  Uncle George kept texting Dad for updates, and Situ called to see how were doing.  Mom was in good hands with Marie the doula and all the nurses and doctors at Valley Hospital, not to mention Dad and family. 
It took Mom a couple hours to get from 1cm to 2cm, then a couple more to get from 2cm to 4cm.  It was obvious that I was going to lose the battle vs Pitocin, so I finally said to myself, if I can't beat em, join em!  At that point, mom's temperature went from cold to hot.  Her deep breaths became deep moans, and she had an intense feeling that she needed to go the bathroom.  She kept telling the nurses, "I have to go to the bathroom!"  The nurses knew that meant my arrival was imminent and they parked mom in position on the bed.  "We don't want any babies in the toilet!" Marie said.  At that moment Dr Rezvani came storming into the delivery room.  Mom asked, "Can I push?" and I was on my way out.  It was such a rush!  I had no idea it could be so much fun, too!  By the second push I was on my way out.  I heard the doctor say, "Put your hand down, Mom, you can feel the head," and that was the first time Mom touched me.  By the third push, at 4:36pm on March 18th, I was all the way out!  The doctors plopped me right on Mom, and Dad cut my cord to officially complete my womb dependence.  The nurses cleaned me up, weighed and measured me (6lbs 0.5oz anad 19.25inches), and then handed me to Dad.  After the delivery madness settled down, the family madness began.  Immediately I met Yiayia and Papou, Situ, Auntie Rema, Auntie Alia, Cousin Farah, Uncle George and Aunt Kelly.  And then, I took my first nap. 
Speaking of naps, it's time to dream. 
Love,
ZZ.