Hola Chicas,
I’m bustin’ outta this joint! We’re headed home today and I couldn’t be happier! My stay at the Birthing Center was pleasant enough- – I had my own spacious room, a flat screen/dvd player and pretty decent room service. But there’s no place like home 🙂 I never let the nursing staff take her away for the night, so the only help I received was from the lactation consultant. I was totally annoyed by the late night blood pressure and temperature checks and the way people would just barge in without knocking… well sometimes they’d knock, but it was more of a ‘warning’ knock rather than an ‘asking’ knock. By day 3 I was totally pissed and apparently began acting bitchy because they left me alone 😉
In other news my body is changing before my eyes. My deflated tummy is very dark (like two shades darker than the rest of me), as if the life was sucked out of it, or Gia had the lights cut off prior to her eviction. I hope the discoloration will fade soon. I can definitely say that it has flattened out significantly and resembles more of a 4 month prego belly. My boobs… FRIGGIN’ HUGE! Like grease ’em up, porno huge. It’s crazy how my body is on a timer– every few hours my breasts swell up as a reminder that I’m supposed to feed someone. Pretty cool.
I’ve been very emotional over the past few days. But the most touching experience has been watching hubby bond with baby. It sounds so cliche, but I definitely have fallen in love with him all over again- – watching him fall in love with her. The way they look at each other is beautiful.
Waiting for us at home are my parents, my grandmother and my uncle. Three pm is check out time and I’m sitting here anxiously waiting by the door, LOL!
I’ll be back in touch soon!
Later Gators,
Nik
Edited to Add: So yeah, Gia had her first blowout a moment ago (poop up her back)…perfect timing, eh? Daddy brought her a new dress though– a pink one that has no poo on it… yet 🙂
Congrats and welcome to your precious Gia! GOD's Blessings to you!
Awww, congratulations Nikki. She's adorable, enjoy every moment of it as they really do grow up quickly.
Congratulations Nikki!!! Gia is beautiful. I really enjoy reading your posts about motherhood and look forward to more in the future as you and Gia get to know each other even better.
Girl you are too funny!!! I just chuckle sometimes reading your post! I'm so glad you are enjoying motherhood, and all the funny little things that come along with it! You still look FAB though with that week old twistout! Keep us posted!
Nikki! Congrats on your little girl! I had no idea you'd had her already! She looks beautiful and you two look so sweet together. I remember the stay at the hospital…there's no rest for the already weary!
Congratulations Nikki! She's BEAUTIFUL!!! So happy for you and E. 🙂
-Tara
She's beautiful! Congratulations 🙂
Congrats! Congrats! Congrats! So Pretty!!
Congrats! Your baby is so precious! And btw, she was born on my bday as well!! Yay!
congratulations on the birth of your beautiful baby girl..God bless you and guide you as you embark on the most significant task in your life 'raising your child'..
You two look beautiful! I'm sure you're happy to be home.
I'm so happy to hear all of the positive comments about breastfeeding. Please let us(me) know if you have any questions about breastfeeding. You should be fine if you keep in contact with your LC and continue your feedings on demand. I know folks will tell you to put the baby on a scedule, but right now let her set her own schedule. Trust me it will even out in the coming weeks. Enjoy the time with her.
In regards to pain you really shouldn't have any if you're latching on correctly and if your emptying your breasts at every feeding. If you experience pain contact your LC right away. It can be fixed with a visit from her in most cases.
Congrats again! Simply beautiful *HUGS*
SisterBoyd
Sooooooooo adorable!!!!
Congrats Nikki your baby is beautiful and I too love the name!! Thanks be to God that all went well may blessings follow you and Gia in Jesus name Amen.
Gia…Beautiful name for a beautiful Baby.CONGRATULATIONS NIKKI!!!
Congratulations! Reading this took me back 3 years ago to my first days with our DD Tori. She had a blow out in the hospital too. I think nursing does that. Pampers Swaddlers worked great for us.
Kids change so much everyday. I know you'll remember to take plenty of pics.
I'll be waiting for a year from now to see the little natural styles you'll come up with!
Congrats Mommy! Gia is beautiful and I love the name!
I am a serious breast feeding cheerleader and i have one must have item for you. Have someone stop at Target and get you a tube of Lansinoh Cream. It is the most amazing stuff. you rub it on before and after nursing Gia. It's all natural and safe for her. This will be a life and nipple saver. Especially while she's getting the hang of the latch on process. Nursing is hard work, but sooo rewarding. Hang in there girly! Be blessed!
You are just too much, a new mommy and still cracking me up! Your daughter is just perfect and I love how you see your hubby in a whole new light 🙂 I wish you all the best.
aww so beautiful. both of you! im am so truly happy that g'd has blessed you and your husband with the ultimate gift!! i cannot wait until i am a mother. continued blessings, patience, and time together:)
yay well done many blessing to you and ur baby && i love the new baby logo its 2 cute X
Congrats on your baby girl. Good Luck with breastfeeding. I nursed for 1 yr and never gave my baby formula while going to school and working full time. You can do it. I do miss my nursing boobies.
As far as the belly, get a belly band that will help with pull in the muscles which will help with back pain. I lived in my belly band for 6 weeks and thankful for it.
Congrats!! Motherhood is such a blessing! Enjoy those nursing moments..that was such precious bonding time for me and my daughter…and GREAT for weight loss! LOL!! Seriously, enjoy every moment!! they grow up sooo fast! She is beautiful and such a miracle as all babies are!! Fearfully and wonderfully made!! Psalm 139
Congrats Nikki! Gia is beautiful. I hope you and hubby enjoy this time with her. Thank you for sharing your story with us. You had me rolling with the greasy porno boobs comment. I can't wait to have kids so I can get that C cup I've always wanted. LOL
Nikki Congrats on the baby! You two look very happy.
Your daughter is absolutely precious! She's so adorable and we share the same birthday so of course she special! Congratulations Mommy!
Way too funny! I remember the "Porno Boobs" I remember buzzing the nurse in the middle of the night thinkin this can't be right, are they really supposed to be this big?! CCongrats Nikki, Gia is beautiful
You both look adorable!!! Hope you have some time off to enjoy each other? Do you have maternity leave? Over here a mum gets(state law!) maternity leave six weeks before and eight weeks after giving birth, so I was wondering…glad to hear that the whole family is happy and in love!
Congrats again, the both of you are so beautiful! Welcome to the world Gia!
Hi Nikki…
Missed this posting yesterday, but so glad that you and Gia are doing well. She is such a beautiful little girl. Best wishes to mom and dad…now the real fun begins!! KinkyNappyHappy
Thank you for sharing this with all of us! I love finding out these things I didn't know about motherhood–I knew about the boobs swelling, and I'm pretty sure I knew about leaking, but I didn't know they are on some kind of "timer," and I didn't know about explosive poop. Lol. I'm single with no kids, but I look forward to the experience! (one day 😉 Glad you're doing well, and you and your baby are so precious <3
Awwwww! So happy for you and hubby!
I love the idea of Gia turning out the lights prior to her eviction. That's downright poetic.
Congrats my dear! The two of you are so adorable =)
You are hilarious!!!What a beautiful picture and what u said about ur hubby. So beautiful!!! God bless u and your family!!!
Congrats! Enjoy the many precious sleepless nights she gives!
LOL! Thanks ladies for listening and allowing me to share… it's so therapeutic for me. I'm sleep deprived and super emotional… my nipples are sore and I still have pain from the Section. Writing and reflecting on these thoughts and reading about your experiences in these comments make my day 🙂 I'll check in soon!
She's such a pretty girl! And the pregnancy/birth emotions haven't dampened your wit any. A million e-kisses to Gia
This post is so cute and hilarious, Nikki 🙂 At first glance of the pic I did notice the bigness of the boob-area. Lmao You're going to be a great & fabulous mommy (already are!) and I'm glad you are home now. She's such a cutie!!
Gurl, didn't I tell you about dem porno boobs?!? LOL. Like everyone else said, your tummy will fade. It is awesome seeing daddy and daughter bond. That sight made me emotional too, especially thinking about the fact that this was a person that only he and I could have created together…then after that first one, we went back and created two more the next two years! Sounds like you are doing awesome with the breastfeeding. I did it with all three of my daughters, and still currently with my 9 month old. Congratulations again, and thanks for sharing with us!!
Gia is such a cutie pie…and you look great too!!!!! thanks for sharing your whole experience…
congrats! i love reading your blog and baby Gia is adorable! =)
you're toooooo cute. I hope your baby turns out to be as gorgeous as you are! 😉
OMG Nikki I'm so happy for you and your DH! I'm loving Gia too! She's so precious! God bless her.
Thank you so much for taking us on this journey with you, Nikki! I am so happy for you.
congrats!!!! beautiful pic of you and baby 🙂 it's awesome hearing of your experience with the way your body is changing and adapting to having just borne a child. thanks so much for sharing!
i can't wait to see more pics, nik!
can't freakin wait
Congratulations!! She's a doll & you look absolutely beautiful. I don't have any babies yet, but I love hearing about others' experiences so I'll know what to expect when the time comes. Enjoy your little angel & be blessed!
so glad you are nursing your little girl. like someone said above, stick with it. i nursed both of mine for a year, and i am convinced it was the best thing i did for them. the best. holler if you have any nursing concerns. don't suffer in silence. everything can be dealt with.
so many folks have said this, but it is interesting how dark your tummy gets. take care of yourself.
oh, how i miss the days of hearing the poop before it happened. 🙂
LOL! Nikki you are hilarious….glad you two got paroled. Being locked up is nothing nice because you don't get ANY rest. GIA is so beautiful! I love the pic too. Motherhood is the best and try to enjoy every moment because they grow up so fast! Thanks for sharing. GBYA! ~Felecia
Nikki is a natural not that any of us had reason to doubt her. Little Miss Gia is precious and watching these too is super sweet! She follows her mama's voice all over the room. They are a beautiful sight to see…. You know I'm so proud of you girlfriend, love ya!
Aaawww your baby is so adorable. I am sure that you will definatey enjoy the motherhood experience. 🙂
Love the new blog header pic and super congrats on the baby an welcome to motherhood!!!
Shes a cutey!
Congrats Niki! Welcome to motherhood! I'm sure Gia (I'm digging the name) will bring you and your husband much joy!
Beautiful!
You and your little one are just darling! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Yay! Home Sweet Home! I can't wait to hear more about your new mommy experiences! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your blessings with us. This brings back so many memories. Enjoy every moment, and take lots of pics. Babies grow so fast and they change so much. Thank you for the awesome job that you do on curlynikki.com ! Continue the great work.
Nikki, you and Gia are too cute. You had me rolling about the knocking on the door. Gia's dress is toooooo cute.
Many blessings.
Glad to see they let you out…we had to stay a little longer than expected. I will say my bra size went up 4-5 sizes and they went back down, but not that much. Just don't lay on your stomach or you'll have puddles.
Awww, congratulations.
Awwww!!! Headed home sweet home! You and Gia look so adorable! Enjoy every moment! Thanks for keeping us posted and look forward to all the updates!
Enjoy every moment! God bless!
Awww Nikki!! She's beautiful, and I'm so happy you're all doing well. Congratulations, there are plenty more great times ahead 🙂
congrats. she's beautiful. enjoy every minute cause they grow up SO.FAST. i know everyone says that but it's so true. my baby is starting kindergarten next week…i want to cry every time i think about it. congrats, again!
Seeing you with her makes me want to talk to the Hubby about getting started on our family 🙂 Congratulations! You both look wonderful!
Congrats! Congrats!!! I hope your lactation consultant was helpful. I worked as a breastfeeding counselor for some time and real enjoyed it. If you can make it through the 1st month, you can nurse as long as you want. My only advice is to NOT GIVE ANY FORMULA. Every time you give your baby formula, you body says "i don't need to make milk right now". Set yourself up for winning! Get lots of support from mothers that are pro-breastfeeding! You can do it!!!!!
You both look beautiful!
The dark tummy will fade as well as the porno boobs (sorry to break the news).
Also like some of the other ladies mentioned get you a girdle or tummy wrap for support. It will tighten up your mid-section good as new (the hospital actually provided me with one).
And get use to those explosions. I'm talking almost every single time she nurses. Let the fun begin…
Congrats!! If you hadn't pointed it out I was going to make mention of a certain area of your body that won't seem to have any problems filling out the maternity bra (as you stated in an earlier post)! 😉
Congratulations, she is so beautiful. Take care of yourself and take things very easy, try and get lots of rest. Look forward to hearing from you soon. God bless!
I know you have heard this already, but YES the darkness will fade–even if you don't apply cocoa butter and other creams to it. At least, this has been my experience and I've had 3 children. Again, I'm so happy for you and your B-E-A-utiful little girl! Can't wait to see her hair (and how cute is it already!!!). After 2 sons, I was blessed with a little lady and my world has been turned upside down. I'm so thankful for this site, you and ALL the invaluable information the followers provide. My daughter (7 mo) will have such a fabulous love of her self–STARTING WITH HER HAIR–because of the growth I've received through this site. Be blessed and can't wait for your return. And enjoy EVERY second of her! It is going to fly by!!!!
–Rosalyn
Congrats on being paroled Nikki lol, and I too remember being in the hospital after the birth of my kids all three c-sections my first baby was 11 lbs 1oz :0 ! The nurses checking the vitals every minute was super annoying.I have to say your Gia is a goregous baby. Take Care
Yay! Congrats again. You and the baby look beautiful :o)
Congrats again Nikki! I'm so happy for you and your family. Enjoy the extra help and support while they're there! Good luck adjusting to the new boss of the house =)
Looking forward to more updates. Thanks for sharing these with us =)
CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so excited for you! =)
I'm so happy for u, and glad that things are going great.
Gia is very beautifull, love the picture!
Nikki, I am so happy for you and your hubby! I will be praying for you and for her to be a good baby and let her mommy get some sleep sometimes! She is beautiful! As a new mommy,you will begin to see the world in a whole new light!
P.S. Im loving the new logo and header!
Thanks for all you do!!
Unika
She is just precious. Congratulations to you both. I can't wait to dress mine up in those cute little dresses! lol!
Nik, I have never met you but feel like we are best buds. I love all the detail….you are hilarious. Please keep that humor. Gia is an angel, so is her mom. Be blessed. You keep me smiling!
Jasmine
Nikki that baby of your's is just gorgeous. Some babies have a unisex look until they get a little older, but Ms. Gia looks like a little girl. 🙂
From the looks of this pic, motherhood suites you well! You two lil ladies look so beautiful! You're right, there's no place like home! You're in awe of watching your hubby bond w/child & that is a beautiful sight to see….be careful, another will pop out before this one starts walking lol(smile).Take care & enjoy your new lil precious gift!
Nikki Congratulations on that beautiful baby girl. So glad you chose to breastfeed and believe me you'll enjoy hose boobs while you got em, at least hubby will anyway lol.
Your stomach will lighten and as small as you are will shrink back, but you an help it along by holding it down also with a girdle or wrap.
Naturally Zee
Congrats!
She is beautiful. The belly will fade over the next six weeks. I know it's old school, but rock a girdle. Trust me! It will put everything back in it's place. LOL!!
Congratulations she is beautiful.
Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you and your hubby!!!
Aw!
Yeah, the melasma on the stomach will go away in a few days. I had it and I'm high-yellow, so you can imagine what it looked like. If you have any discomfort with the boobs, a warm cloth will help alleviate the pain. Just make sure you keep up with the feedings. Keep up the breastfeeding, though. I did it for two years (yes, two years, lol) and it was rewarding for me and my boys.
Awww! I love that picture!
The darker belly thing happened to me, too. It gets better as you lose weight and your skin adjusts to your new size, but, and maybe it's just me, it still will appear a bit darker.
lol@your reaction to the nurses! I hated that, too! I felt like such a patient!
Oh, and I second the point made by the anonymous commentator: Breastfeeding is tough in the beginning. You will leak like crazy, feed every minute (it seems like), and, feel very hungry and tired. The good news is that by two or three months, you and your baby will have "figured things" out, and then you'll be able to see the beauty in the breastfeeding relationship.
Best of luck with your recovery!
-Jessica
Congratulations!! You're a beautiful mama with a adorable baby girl. Enjoy her while she's young. They grow up before you know it.
JUST SO YOU KNOW!!!! BREASTFEEDING IS TOUGH! DON'T LET ANYONE DISCOURAGE YOU OR YOU WILL NOT BE DOING IT LONG… my son will be nine months on the 14th and we are still going strong, no formula yet and pumping while at work…good luck.
……..Yeah, and to add with everyone else's comments, those "porno boobs" hurt, too. Oh, but get ready for the fun, when you are out, away from the baby and your body says the baby is hungry. Those "boobs" leak like crazy. Luckily I had breast pads but there were a couple of times that my shirts revealed what was going on. Talk about "headlights".
Yay for being "paroled!" You both look great. Enjoy your boobies–wear revealing V-neck tops and dresses ;o)
She is so beautiful and this is a lovely pic. Congratulations!!!
I'm glad you are getting to go home. The fun really began now. I remember the porno boobs. They were heavy too. LOL!!! Get ready for many blowouts. Make sure you have a change of clothes for her and yourself too.
haha at "greasy,porno huge"
You always crack me up – in the same boat Nikki!
Cherish every minute 🙂
Lovin the pic! Reading your posts has brought back so many memories of my own babies… ages 14 and 16 now! Enjoy every moment because it goes by too quickly!
Enjoy every minute of it all…Congratulations Mommy and Daddy. The color in your belly will fade over time (SHEA BUTTER, SHEA BUTTER and more SHEA BUTTER) slather it on after feedings, and bathings. I don't know if anyone told you, but a a girdle works wonders…The tighter the better… BTW when I was breastfeeding, I was so intrigued with how my booby timer worked. Motherhood is amazing.
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW 🙂
Awwwww…that's such a sweet pic of you two! I too am enjoying hearing about your experiences since I'm not a mom yet. That's wonderful that hubby and Gia are bonding. Enjoy your freedom (from the hospital)! 🙂 ~KF519
I wondered the same thing about my belly after having my baby (by C-Section, no less). He's 17 now and the color did come back. As I recall it didn't take all that long either (a few months maybe). Our bodies are so amazing and wonderfully made!
🙂 All the best and enjoy every single moment of motherhood, because time flies. Gia is such a cutie and don't worry you'll go back to pre-Nikki 🙂
Those blowouts are the worst 🙂 They mess up all their cute clothes. If you haven't already get yourself some stain remover to have on hand 😉 My belly was dark too (after the birth of both of my daughters, both csections) & it does fade eventually. Weird how dark it was. And my boobs were HUGE too, I don't even want to tell you my bra sz, but let's just say I had to special order 😉 The joys of motherhood! Well, since I'm posting anonymous I might as well tell…32G! But they also went down after I weaned so don't panic lol!
Hi Nikki. Gia is a beautful baby. Continue to massage your stomach with some type of oil; your stomach will lighten up take it from me. I had a 10 pound baby and c-section too! Breast feeding helps the stomach go down as well. Blessings!
I love it! motherhood is so awesome! Funny about the boobs, yeah they get pretty big alright. What until Gia starts getting distracted right in the middle of a feeding. My daughter Camille would pull away to look at any noise and milk would be spraying clear across the room. Probably TMI, but I love the comedy of being a new mom! I'm so glad everything went well and you're on your way home.
I FREAKIN LOVE IT!! I'm so happy that you are sharing these experiences. I have no kids..yet. But one day I will….I love hearing the stories. And as a nutritionist, SO PROUD and EXCITED you chose to breastfeed your baby!!
Awwww…. Nikki!!!! You are so funny and cute! Gia is so beautiful!!! LOL @ "Gia having the lights cut off" and "grease em up, porno huge!" HAHAHAHAHA
Wait until you start lactating in public because you hear ANOTHER baby cry!!! LOL
Aww that's so sweet! Yes that "dark" tummy will fade away mine was the same way after I had my son. I just cocoa butter on it, don't know if it helped, but the older folks told me that's what I needed to do!
I love the pic!! I know you cannot wait to bring her home. Enjoy every minute of it!! I love her dress.
awww thats adorable..congrats on the new baby. Glad that everyone is doing well and enjoying these precious moments..yes even the poop on her back one too lol
Also glad that all is well! This post brings back memories. Enjoy your little cutie!!
What a cute picture. So glad everything is going well. You're going to be a great mommy.