Great Aloha Run 2014

This is my 2nd time doing the Great Aloha Run (GAR).  First time was 2013 (read more here).  I tried to do a running schedule to run at least 3x a week, but being a new mom, working night shif is tough. At least I tried!!!

New family car

I am so happy I was able to trade in my BMW for a 2014 Rav4.  I am super happy with this trade.  It is spacious and a perfect family car!!!  I love the color, the interior and backup camera!!!

Merry Christmas

This week we have decided to stop using the shield.  I took a chance and we have been quite successful.  She has been sucking better.  Only problems is she spits up a lot, but not to worry she pee and poop a lot!  Have a great Holiday!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Took a chance with love

We made 3 years together.  I went through a lot before I met him.  I never expected to find love.  I was very cautious and he was very patient.  We grew in love and now I have a little family. I'm really happy and can't ask for anything more!!!

First Halloween as a family!!!

A baby is born a little early

I was 36 weeks and had an ultrasound on Wednesday October 16.  The doctor had scheduled to induce me for October 20 due to my recent diagnosis of preclampsia.  He mention the possibility of delivering early if baby was small.  He estimated she was 5 pounds and a half. The perinatologist did my ultrasound and said she was 4 pounds 7 ounces which was too low and that I would have to be emergency induce due to intrauterine growth restriction from preclampsia. 

I never wanted to be induce but for the safety of me and my baby I will do what I have to do.   I was allowed to go home to pack and eat.  We ate Thai food before heading back to the hospital.  I had stuff chicken wings, spring rolls, pad thai and jerky.  It was so good!!!  Last good meal before I delivered!!!  Who cares about checking my blood sugar!!!

When we got back I was placed in the same room from the last time, labor room 7.  I got stick 2x trying to get a IV.  They check my cervix and I was 3cm.  I was started on pitocin since the ob-gyn staff did not think I need the cervidol or misoprostol. I was only allowed clear liquid diet and they kept checking my blood sugar.  My blood pressure was not high at first but during the night it started to act up so I was started on magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures that could occur with preclampsia.  It made me feel very horrible.  Felt hot and like I got ran over by a bus or just finish doing a marathon or hike.  I was so drowsy.  I started to have some contractions but they were not painful, just uncomfortable.  I had more back pain since I was not allowed to move around, only could stay in bed and move side to side.  I look forward to getting up every hour to pee.  

Thursday morning they did a cervix check and decided to stop the pitocin since I was not dilating, I was still at 3cm.  They finally gave me misoprostol x3 to soften my cervix.  I was allowed to eat but had to stay bedrest.  One day went by, even though I still had the magnesium drip, I felt good.  I started to have bloody show so I was most likely more dilated. 

Friday morning they let me shower, did a cervix check and I finally was 5cm.  They restarted my pitocin.  The contractions got more painful and my blood pressure started to get higher.  They had to give me hydrazine couple times again.  They ask me if I wanted an epidural since it could help me with my blood pressure but I chose not to have one.  

The midwife finally checked me and I was 7cm dilated. They decided I should have my water bag broke to speed the labor since my blood pressure was getting too high.  They also did my labs to check my liver.  I was diagnosis with HELLP syndrome:  H (hemolysis),EL (elevated liver enzymes) and 

LP (low platelet count).  I never realize at the time the symptoms I was having was related to the preclampsia and HELLP syndrome: nausea and vomiting, epigastric/heartburn pain, bleeding nose, swollen legs.  I couldn't tell if I was having headaches or blurry vision since I took my contacts out and was closing my eyes most of the time.  I was having more rectal pressure like I had to poop and tried but no poop.  Must be baby coming down, but it was hard not to push it was getting more uncomfortable not really much painful.

My bf, sister, cousin Lisa and my BF sisters were in the labor room with me.  I almost never notice who was there I was so concentrated about labor and upcoming birth.  I started to feel unsure about things and doubt my plan.  I wanted a natural birth free from Meds, but it was not going that way.  I was thinking maybe I should ask for pain Meds since the recital pressure was irritating me.  I kept telling everyone in the room "I dunno what to do!" since I was told not to push.  Finally the nurse did a final cervix check and said if I push a little I will be fully dilated.  They started to prepare the room for birth.  They open te birth table with supplies and turned on the newborn warming bed.  

It was time to push and everyone was supportive.  Pushing is kind of awkward.  They say push like you need to poop or like your holding your breath going under water.  You gotta imagine pushing out and up so baby can get through the pelvic.  I dunno how to push, I just did.  It was not easy.  I could see why someone would give up and get tired.  Thank God during the pushing part my blood pressure was stable!!!  The ob dr, midwife and neonatal team came to mh room in anticipation of delivery.  I think after about 5 tries+ of pushing I finally pushed out baby Jazlyn on Friday October 18 at 9:57pm.

Since she is a late preterm with low birth my bf did not have the opportunity to cut her cord.  They rushed her to the baby warmer to assess her.  Her APGAR score was 7/9, weight 4 pounds 6.9 ounces and was 17 inches.  Her temperature was stable and said she could stay with me in mother baby, she did not need to go to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).  I was able to bond with her and tried to breastfeed too!!!  Definitely a very life changing event for us!!!  I was in disbelief I actually pushed this baby out and 

happy to finally meet her.  We are a little family now!!!

Shortly after changing to the mother baby unit the nurses were concern about baby unable to keep her temperature due to her being so little.  The pediatrician was notified and she was sent to the NICU after 4am.  I was sad but it was for her health.  I couldn't go see her since they were still monitoring my blood pressure and I was still on the magnesium drip.  

I felt so helpless for her.  So I learned to used the breast pump and started to pump.  Colostrum that came out first was about 20 ml!  Amazing, but then after it was about 1-5 ml per session.  Maybe I was stressing, but milk was not ready yet.  I kept trying since this is the least I could to help my baby since we are apart!!!

It was only after 24 hours that I was finally able to to see my baby, but it was sad to see her hook up to monitors and IV.  The warmer was regulating her temperature and she was getting my colostrum and formula.  We were only allowed to hold her for feeding for 30 minutes.  Otherwise all we could do is watch her.  I felt so disconnected since we could not bond as much.  I was feeling really sad.  Postpartum blues kicked  in and I was always crying for her.  I wanted her to get better!!!

Baby had to start phototherapy for Jaundice on Saturday.

On Sunday, baby having a lot of spit up and not eating well.  So they had to put a feeding tube/gavage.  She still tried to breastfeed, take my expressed breastmilk and then formula if not enough.

They did not discharge me right away because my blood pressure was too high most likely from stress.  I finally was able to leave on Monday.  It was bittersweet since I would be leaving without baby I came to the hospital for her 11am and 2pm feeds and came with my bf for the 8pm feeds.  They told me on Wednesday to bring in the car seat to test her breathing and took out her tube feeding that day. She stayed in the NICU till Thursday.  We were so happy to finally bring her home.  Now we can enjoy her.

3d/4d shy baby

Baby girl!

A little baby

My Estimated Date of Delivery is November 11, 2013

Completed my first Great Aloha Run

I'm so proud of myself for doing the Great Aloha Run (GAR). It was always a dream of mines to do this, but I never came around to sign up. I thought I would never be able to run it, but I did. I'm so happy I pushed myself to do this!!! It was great exercise and it supports charity. I decided to do this for my cancer patients and my cousin Lisa so I wore my F💀ck Cancer shirt proudly.

I pick up running since July, but actively trained for the GAR in January. I use to hate running, but it helped jump start my weight loss. I was 169 lbs during the holidays and I was able to lose the holiday weight. I am now 162 lbs.

This run was 8 miles. At first I can run about 4 miles pretty good, but more than 5 I seem to lose power and energy and just walk. I had to go longer distances for the run so In the last 2 weeks before the run I tried to pick up my distance. I feel very. accomplish that I was able to at least walk run 8 miles in 2 hours 30 minutes. I figure if I did the GAR in 2 hours 30 minutes I would be happy.

During the run I pushed myself and was able to jog up to 6 miles. I slowed down to tie my shoe laces. I slow jog and speed walk up to 7 miles mark and jogged in till the finish. I felt like I had to pee so I held back on drinking water. I was shock when my official race score said I completed the run in 2 hours 9 minutes. I wondered if I did not stop and just jogged would I be faster?

My 14 mile hike I did in July was definitely inspiring and pushed me to do this race, train for it and finish it. Come on if i hiked over the Koolau I can do anything ;). I'm definitely happy I did this and look forward to do more races and the GAR again!!!

I'm sexy and I know it

Starting operation sexy with my sister and friend Cherish.

$100 in the pot.

Winner will get the pot if they lose 5% or more of their weight and measurements and maintain it into the holidays.

Monthly checkin on the 1st.

Challenge ends on 01/01/2014

Starting stats:
Weight is 166 lb
Arms 13in
Chest 37in
Waist 33in
Hips 37in
Leg 21in

Goals:
Lose 5% or more weight loss
8.3 lbs so 157.7 or more
Fit into size 9 or less
Tone arms

It's official I am a homeowner

08/14/2012 - My HOT date, the home orientation tour aka final walk through before closing

Closed escrow, mortgage loan signed, money funded.

08/16/2012 - It's official I am a homeowner

Old Pali Road and Likelike Falls

Pali Lookout is a classic tourist spot on a cliff on the Koolau Mountain Range overlooked Kaneohe Bay, Chinaman's Hat, and Hawaii Pacific's Windward Campus.  This cliff has a gruesome and scary superstitious history.  The story is in 1795 Hawaiian King Kamehameha and his warriors defeated the O'ahu armies by sending them over these steep, forested cliffs and claiming his victory and uniting the Hawaiian Islands.  They say the area especially along Old Pali Road is haunted by taunting ghosts and Hawaiian Gods.  With the beautiful views, windy, and scary history we decided to hike the near by Old Pali Road and find the Likelike Falls.

I have done this hike before with a friend/date but we got lost.  I started at the top of the lookout and reached the bottom of the highway, went under the highway overpass and then down to an access road off the Kooalau Golf Course. At that time I honestly did not know where I was going.  Just knew most hikes on Oahu connect to each other, but how and where?  When we felt like we were finally defeated, we went back to the lookout.

So we tried again with my BF, Laura, Aaron and Erica.  They have never done the hike before so I thought it would be fun.  Hopefully we can find Likelike Falls and go to a birthday dinner afterwards.  This is considered an easy trail about 2 miles long.  We started at the lookout.  It follows along Old Pali Road so most of the hike is pave however the road has been take over by wild plants, trees.  When we reach the Pali Highway overpass, we had to crawl underneath to get to the rest of the trail.  By the time we pass the overpass, we were pretty much following the access road.  We met up with random hikers who were also heading to Likelike Falls.  So we decided to hike close to them.  We ran into some Hawaii Electric guys at the bottom of the paved road.  The guy told us the trail head was to the left of the road.  It looked like the trail was going to be uphill and mostly dirt now.  Yay for markers.  We caught up with the guys again.  He told us that he did the trail 11x and got lost trying to find Likelike Falls.  Now he knows how to get there.  Ok hopefully we don't get lost.  We get to the top of the hill with not much effort until I felt like we were lost again.  The guy said to the left and right is the ridge trail which is really hard.  He said if you go down then your heading to the Likelike Falls.  So down we went, trusting a guy we dont know just for the sake of adventure and hopefully finding Likelike Falls.  Maybe in about 30-45 minutes we reached the falls.  It is really small but pretty to see.  We decided to turn back since we had to get going for dinner.  As we return to Pali Lookout we ran into the Hawaii Electric guys taking off with their helicopter.  It was like a show watching guys dangle to fix power lines.  Then we got close to the lookout and we could finally see the small Pali falls along the side of the Old Pali Road.  In total this hike was 3 hours long.  Total possible calories burn: 1600.

Aaron and everyone else with the winds

Hello Old Pali Road

Not bad its paved

Pali Highway

Pali Lookout

Crawling under the highway

Hawaii Electric at work.  Likelike Falls trailhead to the left

Likelike Falls

Pali Falls

Maunawili Falls

So I have this thing for waterfalls.  I think waterfalls are so pretty.  Watching the water fall from a mountainside side/cliff into a pool.  The sound of the water against the rocks.  I am not fond of how cold it is or the possibility of leptospirosis infection.  I just love to watching how beautiful it is.  Seeing natures wonder.  Relaxed by their soothing sounds.  For the obvious reasons, I love waterfalls.  I remember my sister telling me how went to Maunawili Falls and it had a nice waterfall and pool.  I always wanted to check it out, but for some odd reason we just never had a chance to go.

So my BF and sisters Nancy and Anny, their friend Ruby and Laura decided to come hiking with us to Maunawili Falls.   FINALLY!!!  This trail is approximately 3 mile long out and back hike.  Its considered easy-moderate about 4 hours long. From Honolulu to Pali Highway to Maunawili Valley (third traffic light after tunnels), turn right on Auloa Road, left fork onto Maunawili Road. Go approx 2 miles to end of public road, park on Kelewina Street. Walk on Maunawili Road (private section) approx 1/2 city block to trail head sign on right.

This is a fun muddy trail and well maintain.  We walked uphill along the stream, then finally crossed it, hiked up the mountain, then came down, crossed the stream again and walked up towards the waterfall.  When we got to the falls, it was overly crowded and the falls was a lot smaller than I expected despite the rains.  I think we enjoyed going off the trail to look for bamboo, fruits and plants more than the waterfall!!!  Total possible calories burn: 1600.

Getting back to hiking: Aiea Loop Trail

My bf did not wanna go gym with me. I was sad. Kinda lost motivation to go. I wanted us to get healthy together. Then comes the weird stalker and some random guy asking for my number at the gym. Kind of freak me out that someone is stalking me or preving out on me... Eww. Anywhoo I kept talking to my BF about how I wanna go hiking again. Last hike I did was Lanikai Pillbox with my sister in 2011. She was like my hiking buddy. When she got pregnant the hiking had to stop and I haven't had a chance to go with my hectic crazy night shift schedule.

So I really wanted to go hiking again, but with who? My BF has friends Laura, her brother Aaron and her friend Erica came to hike with us.  Laura nd Erica like to hike so it was nice to know people who would like to join us.  So we decided to do Aiea Loop Trail. I have done this trail many times before with my sister and friend Val.

This trail is approximately 4 mile long loop hike.  Its considered easy about 4 hours long (so think about 1 mile = 1 hour).  To get there you need to go up Aiea Heights Drive until you get to Keaiwa Heiau State Park.  The one thing I love about this hike is the smells at the beginning.  It is like a pine or eucalyptus smell and its very soothing and relaxing.  You pass some power lines and then you will see some great views of the  H3 Freeway and tunnel, Halawa Valley.  As your hiking you can hear the sounds of car along the H3.  Its like your walking along the mountain.  Then you will decent down to Aiea Stream and then come back.  When you see the Power Lines in front of you again  you will see a glimpse of MCBH Camp Smith on the top of the mountain across and Pearl Harbor Naval and Arizona Memorial.  Then you will come full circle in a loop and you completed the trail.  There is a waterfall along this trail.  Its unmark called Kalauao Falls.  I eventually wanna do it.  I just need to figure out where it is along this trail.

Here some pics of our adventure:

Ok I wish I took more pics.  Maybe next time.  Hard to hike and hold a camera.  Possible calories burn: 1600.  WOW!!!  BTW here some info about Hawaii and Hikes I have done here.

Mid-point hard hat tour

The big day to meet my house inside.  I visit my house like 1-2x a week.  I feel like a stalker crazy women watching the construction guys work at my house.  I have been so nervous and excited to actually go inside my house.  Still cant believe that this is mines.  My BF, dad and I went to check it out.  Met with Malcom the construction manager to look at the skeleton of the house.  Got to see my house while they were working on pluming, tub, electrical, and insulation.  This month they will finish the dry wall and the roofing.

Finalized the options and upgrades for my house

March 28: Before I left for Texas, I was able to schedule an appointment with Judy, the interior designer.   We were able to discuss some of the interior options for my house.  I was given a month to think of my about my options before making a decision. I left for Texas.  Did not get to see my house for 3 weeks.  While I was gone, my BF was so awesome to take pics of my house coming together so I was kept up to date on the process of my house.

April updates: It is a townhome so working on the rest of the homes

April updates: forming of the roof

April updates: Walls, Tyvex and windows

After being on vacation for 3 weeks to visit my sister I come home to my escrow papers.  I called Melvin up right away and he helped me with them on May 3. 

More paperwork.. getting closer

As soon as I landed in Hawaii, I asked to drive here so I can finally see it for myself!!!

I called Judy to finalize the interior design and options of my home.  I just mailed her my deposit check this week.  I have decided on:

• Centralized AC for the whole house
• Softer tan paint for the walls
• Honeycomb for the carpet
• White miniblinds
• Mystic Gemstone for the countertops
• Cherry kitchen and bathroom cabinets
• GE black appliances: fridge, range, upgraded diswasher, upgraded microwave range
• GE upgraded washer and dryer
• Rainglass shower door for the spare bathroom

I am really excited and cant wait to see my house, move in and live in it 

I'm an Aunty to baby Kyra

Happy Birthday Kyra Tiare. She was Born on April 20, 2012 at 2:07pm. She weights 6lbs 11oz and is 18 1/2in long.

I am so proud of my sister for doing it all naturally with no drugs. She kept smiling all the way. Im also proud of her breastfeeding like a champ and not giving up. She is going to be a great mommy. Ron is also going to be a great daddy. When he first met Kyra it was like he was mesmerized :)

I am happy I got to spend time with my sister, Ron and Kyra these past 3 weeks. I'm sad I have to leave them. I leave to go back home to Hawaii on Sunday. It is truly bitter sweet. I already wanna come back and see them, hopefully in Dec/Jan. It's kind of sad as I won't watch her grow up. Wish Roxy did not live so far away...