Pictures of CJ

Our Birth Story

Ok. So I got this idea from a friend, after I read her story… Thanks Jamie!

And so it begins . . .
March 2, 2009, approximately 9:00 p.m. CJ began to let me know he was ready to come out. Although the pains were very real, I was told that I was in false labor or I was having Braxton Hick’s contractions. After three hours of this . . . nothing. March 3, more contractions; very sporadic varying in duration, strength, and interval. March 4, I was sure CJ was a coming. I was having strong, regular contractions. There was a noticeable increase in duration, but no real corresponding increase in strength. That’s important because apparently to be in “true labor” the signs need to go like this: strength ↑, interval ↓, duration ↑. Oh, and it needs happen simultaneously if one isn’t going in the right direction or is staying flat, it’s not time to go to the hospital. Well you all know March 4th was not CJ’s birthday, and apparently he had gotten tired. Because I stopped having contractions, well not at any regular interval anyway. The weekend comes and goes. On March 9, 2009 I am running errands. Around 1:30 I find myself at Wescom Credit Union, making a deposit, suddenly I felt a wet warmth in my nether regions, and a quick jolt in my abdomen. I guess it hurt more than I thought, because the teller asked me what was wrong. I calmly told “oh it’s just a contraction”. She asked if I needed her to call anyone I politely said “no”, and completed my transaction. When I got back in my car and sat down, I noticed that my bottom was wet. I immediately though, “crap, I think my water broke”. So I called Chris, and my mom, and his mom. I was being really com considering what was going on. I drove myself home and waited for Chris. I changed my clothes and got a knock at the door. It was Andrew and Lanisha (Chris’ youngest brother and his girlfriend). Chris wasn’t going to make it for a while, and his mom thought her car was too small to be comfortable for me, so this was my rescue team. Andrew was so excited and nervous. I believe I was the sanest one of us all. Andrew was more than I could have asked for. He helped me out the door (although I could have done it alone). He helped me get in the car. He drove extremely carefully, making sure to ease over any bumps or dips in the road. I was about ready to admit him by the time we made it to the hospital. I was having contractions every 4 – 6 minutes and Andrew was having an anxiety attack in unison with each one. Andrew, Lanisha, and I made a secret stop on the way to the hospital, which only we know about. Love you guys!

At the hospital . . .
Andrew, parked my car in the valet stall, grabbed a wheel chair and came back to get me. He wheeled me up to labor and delivery (where I was scheduled to be induced the next morning). I was sent to fetal diagnostics, where I was well known. Janet hooked me up to a monitor and Andrew and Lanisha got a chance to breathe. A couple of doctors (sorry don’t remember their names) came to check on me. I was only 1 cm . The second doctor checked me to see if my water had broken; the test came back with an ambiguous result. A little while later the doctor came back to check me again, this time she confirmed my water had broken and although I was only one centimeter I was being admitted. Good thing too, because I don’t think Andrew could have taken driving me back home. I walked to my next room hoping to walk CJ down. No luck, he had changed his mind about wanting to come out. Well this is getting long, so let me try to shorten it a bit. I was all set to have a natural delivery. Order up a midwife in case my OB wouldn’t make (and he didn’t), and then came the hard part. 13-hours of un-medicated bliss (or at least that’s what I’ll tell CJ). After being asked several times and denying it, I agreed to have an epidural. Wouldn’t you know it the anesthesiologist was in with another patient and wouldn’t be able to get to me for forty-five minutes to an hour. Getting the epidural allowed me to sleep and relax. Which is what I needed. Seven hours later CJ was ready to enter the world. The nurse came in to take my vitals and ask how I was doing, and if I was ready to push. I told her this was my first baby but if being ready to push meant I felt pressure down there, then yes. I started pushing CJ started coming. The midwife barely made it in time. It was only about 20 minutes from the time I began to push till he was out. I thought everyone was trying to encourage me when they were saying on my third push his head was already crowning. But they weren’t. CJ was here. At approximately 9:54 a.m., March 10, 2009, Chris and I welcomed our joy (CJ) into our world. However, that was short lived as this has quickly become “his” world.

Birth Team . . .
- Thanks to Andrew and Lanisha for driving me to the hospital (and making our stop).
- Thanks Aisha for rubbing my back and talking me through it.
- Thanks Alex and Travis for providing the comedy (I can always
depend on Trav’s antics to make me laugh)
- Thanks, Mom, Najae , and Ashley for your love and support.
- Thank you Twynya for the bagels. Who knows when I would have eaten if not for you.

We Love You All!

Thank you hubby (Chris) for giving me the greatest gift anyone can receive.


P.S. this was written by mommy, because she had hte most details about the situation. :-)
signed C.J.

I'm Here

Christopher Clarence Kindle was born March 10, 2009 at 9:52 AM. He is 20.75" and weighs 6 lbs., 13 ounces.

38 Week Update

Mom and dad just left the two of the three doctor's appointments mom had this week. The news we got was a little mixed but overall really good. Mom is 1 centimeter dilated and 70% effaced. Based on the ultrasound I have reached optimal positioning for delivery. I am in the left occiput anterior (LOA) position, which is just a fancy way to say I’m in the optimal position for birthing. The mixed part is Dr Johnson told mom that if I don’t come by next Friday, they will set a date for induction. Mom is not fond of the idea, but will do what she has to, to get me here safely. Mom is determined to get me here naturally so she is stepping up her exercise routine. She has even made exercise dates, so that she can have some moral support. Look out world here I come.

37 Week Update

So we are here. Full term. Yeah well I think I've changed my mind about wanting to come out. Last Wednesday I had mom thinking it might be time - now, nothing. I have reconsidered, and it seems a bit noisy out there. Doc Johnson told mom and dad he didn't think I will hold on until my due date. He doesn't know me very well. I have found a new spot in mom's tummy and I am right fine in here. Besides dad wants me to put on a little more weight before I come out.
This weekend has been "interesting". Friday mom got her hair braided, and the rest of the weekend she has been an emotional wreck. I think these pregnancy hormones have her all whacked out. Oh and mom and dad bought a new sofa and love seat because dad was tired of the back aches the old one was giving him. It's still black leather just a lot firmer. Mom really likes it. Or maybe it's her hormones making giddy over it.
Well I'll keep you all posted on my impending arrivial. Until next time, tootles.

Pictures from my room

My Bed

My coming home outfit

Kicking Mom

It's very subtle but if you look carefully you can see me kick mom about 7 times in this 29 sec clip.

36 Week Update

I am almost full term and want out. I am kicking and punching like never before. Even dad who can never seem to feel what’s going on inside mom’s belly felt me. Mommy has been having contractions; one sometimes two a day. Plus those nasty Braxton Hicks are getting worse, and more frequent. We did manage to have some fun in the midst of all this. Our friend had a party. We got to hang out with other people, play some games, and even watch most of the all-star basketball game. Mom really enjoyed the company.

Oh, oh, oh, mom got two unexpected gifts this week. Dad bought mom a pair of hoop earrings, and her father sent her a Betty Boop bracelet and watch set. Go mom. Just when she was starting to think she was only here to carry me around. Whew, did they come through just in time.

We go for our hospital tour this week, so mom and dad will know where everything is. There should be no excuses when the time comes. Even if I do decide to come a tinsy bit early.

Alright people, it’s time for me to say farewell. Next weeks updates will include ultrasound results, and feedback form Dr. Johnson. Tootles.

35 Week Update

Five more weeks to go, and looks like I’m finally ready. Mom went to see Doctor Johnson today. I am head down in a Right Occiput Anterior position. Not the optimal fetal position - but pretty darn close. He says I’m doing fine. He also says mom is fine, even though she does not really feel like it. She has been fighting off a cold, and wondering why she’s started having contractions already. She’s not having a lot, just one a day, but boy do they put her out. Apparently I’m not being very kind to mom, because she has gone back to throwing up, having major headaches, and sustaining herself on watermelon. Well let’s just wait and see how this turns out. I’ll be in touch.

Oh yeah. Diana, from mom's job threw her an awesome work shower. Mom and dad scored some really cool gifts for me, including a rocking video baby monitor.

34 Week Update

So we meet again. I have re-entered my extremely lazy phase. Occasionally I will I bump, kick, or squiggle, but for the most part I'm in mom's belly vegging out. Mom says she's torn, she doesn't know whether she feels better when I'm moving around or when I'm kicking it. Personally I'm a laid back kinda guy, and I'm not much up for causing a lot of commotion. But I try to appease mom and give her a little giggle here and there so she wont worry too much.

Well supposedly I have six weeks of incubation left, but we'll see about that. I'm not sure I want to come out. I know mom and dad are ready to see me, but I have gotten used to my surroundings. I mean what more can a guy ask for. Free food, roof over your head, and not a care in the world. If I come out what do I have to look forward to. I don't know . . . but I mean really, can it be better than this. Besides, from what I hear, dad hasn't put up my bed yet, and mom still has stuff of mine to put away. But they have time.

Well until next week . . . tootles. BTW - did you catch that game, that was a cliffhanger.

33 Week Update

My baby shower was yesterday. Lot’s of people came out to see me, mom and dad; family, friends and old and current co-workers alike. Mom was fretting that things were going to go wrong, but everything turned out so nice. The planning committee that included mom and dad’s mothers did an awesome job of making everything a success. I got lots of clothes and blankets and other goodies to start my outside the womb life off right. I can’t believe how much some of mom and dad’s friends like them. Some of the guest had to get up early to make it. We had guest from Lancaster, Palmdale, Hemet, Crestline and everywhere in-between. One guest drove 130 miles to see me in mom’s belly. All I can say is mom and dad must be really cool people.

Well I am a bit pooped from all the festivities. Talk to you later.

We have a new President

At approximately 9:07 AM (PST), me and mom watched as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Not really super fantastic news, unless you take into account the fact that he is the first black man to hold the office. I wasn’t truly able to appreciate the event, since I’m still in mom’s tummy and all, but boy was she excited. No jumping up and down or anything. Just glad to be witness to such a momentous occasion.

32 Week Update

Today me and mom went to have lunch with dad. They ate Persian food, you know shish kabobs and that yummy rice. After lunch me and mom went to hang out with my cousin Ava, and her mom Marjar. We had a good time. Mom got to practice holding a baby, and discuss all the things she is in for once I come out. That was a little boring, so I didn’t pay to much attention to that. Well everything else is going alright, with me and mom. Let’s hope that continues. Don’t forget tomorrow is inauguration day.

31 Week Update (a little late)

The week started off great. Mom and dad went to see Dr. Johnson, to check on me. He says I am growing fine and I appear healthy. But I could have told you that; how do you think I write these blogs every week.

I also entertained company this weekend. Auntie Alex came by and chatted with mom while they assembled favor boxes. Saturday and Sunday Ms. Twynya came by to cut favor tags and tie bows on the favors for my party. We also picked dad’s friend Shaney and hit the town.

Oh yeah, we went to Ms. Susan’s baby shower. It was a really nice event. Not to mention me and her baby did the bump. Then Sunday we went to the UCLA vs. USC women basketball game where we were guests of the Chancellor’s wife. It was a pretty good game. Sometimes mom would cringe when UCLA missed a basket. But turns out they’re not so bad. UCLA won 87 to 75.

After having such an eventful weekend mom is pooped. She can’t seem to stay awake. I promise it’s not me, at least I don’t think it is. But lately just about everything is because of me so maybe I have a little to do with it. Talk to you all next week.

30 Week Update

Mom and dad went to the official last day of baby birthing class today (although this will be making up the breastfeeding class next Wednesday). They watched a video about what mom will need to do immediately after giving birth to me. Boy I don’t know how they expect her to do all of that and keep me and dad happy. I think she’s scared, but she won’t tell anybody. I try to reassure her that I am going to be a good baby. And I heard dad whispering to her about how he plans on helping her out when he comes home at night. I think it will all work out.

29 Week Update

Mommy is sick. She has been miserable since Friday. First all stopped up, then her nose ran like never before. She thought she had gotten over it for a minute, but nope, it's still lingering. She thinks it's moving into her chest. This is not good for me because when she coughs i feel it. Not to mention she is getting dad sick.

Well we went for my appointment yesterday, and I gained some more weight. I am now approximately 2 pounds 8 ounces. Mommy thinks I am gaining weight to fast, but dad thinks I am right on target. We'll see who wins this argument when I'm born.

A cousin is born

My cousin Ava was supposed to be born on January 27, 2009, but she couldn't wait. Ava Jean Childs was born at approximately 12:20 a.m. on December 28, 2008. She weighed in at a healthy 5 pounds 9 ounces. Mommy is hoping to be so lucky with me. Mom is sick right now so she can't take me to see my new cousin, but I know she is beautiful. Hope she likes lady bugs.

28 Week Update

Ok so mom and dad drove me out to Glendale this morning. Oh yeah Miss Aisha came with us to. So why were in glendale might you ask. We were getting a 4D ultrasound. Really it's the same as a 3D ultrasound with the added dimension of time. Not that it was needed since as we already know I'm not much of a mover. So we arrive and mom fills out their bs waiver about this scan being for entertainment purposes only, and dad pays the lady for my session.

We start the session, and I and not up for being seen. I mean really it's Saturday morning and I need my beauty rest. So I cover my face with my hand, and they just keep looking at me. When I don't move (duh), they start shaking mom's belly to wake me up. So that they can leave me alone, and I can get back to sleep I move my hand out of the way. Well that didn't help much since I my feeding tube (the umbilical cord) was covering more than half my face. Well away they kept snapping, and moving mom back and forth. Finally they got a few clear pictures of me and just that fast - it was over. Mom wasn't exactly excited with the results, but she was overjoyed to see me. Check out the 3D shots of me on the photo page.

Alright talk to you next week.

27 Week Update

I'm gaining weight. Mom and dad went for my 27 week appointment today. Well I'm gaining weight. I weighed 2 lbs today. Despite gaining 11 oz in three weeks, I am still measuring 3 days small. That's it for now. I'll update you guys later.

I'm growing or something

I figure I must be going through a growth spurt. I am making mom eat more than ever. I am hungry like every hour. Mom doesn't know how to deal with this sudden onset of ferocious eating. I don't think she likes it, but a growing boy needs his nourishment.

Mom took me L & D again

I have been causing mom some moderate discomfort for the past two days. Strong, tight feeling in her belly. Not contractions just a really tight painful feeling. Doesn't make her feel so hot. Well to top things off, mom went to the restroom, and didn't like what she saw. So off to L & D to see if everything was ok. They hooked mom up to the baby monitors, so she got to hear my heart beat. That always makes her feel better. Mom's nurse Julia was really nice and Dr Malik from our unfortunate visit in the ER was there to help mom out again. In the end everything was fine, they just think mom should rest a bit more.

Mom says I bit her

Me, mom and dad were sitting at the dinner table the Las Vegas CPK. At around 9:51 p.m. I sent a strong blow to mom. She swears it felt like I bit her, but I don't have any teeth yet. She's always complaining she's not sure if I'm in her belly. Well I guess I showed her.

It's confirmed

I am a boy. There are even embarrassing photos of my little man parts. See.

I'm lazy

Well mom stopped feeling my little flutters so she has her panties all in a bunch. The nurse asked her to eat "A Real Meal", not those snacks she normally feeds me. After she finished the meal she wanted mom to lie down and count my movements. If I didn't move 10 times in 2 hours she was sending mom to the diagnostic center. Well needless to say, I'm lazy, I only moved 4 times in two hours, so off to the hospital mom went. She had a really nice nurse named Danielle. She talked to mom and made her feel real comfortable. They kept losing my heartbeat on the monitor, so Danielle couldn't leave mommy for more than a few minutes at a time. Dr. Patel came in and checked mom out. She said I was doing fine. I was just laying there, sideways, not really moving at all, but I had a strong heartbeat, and lots of fluid around me. This news made mom feel much better. She was afraid something had happened to me, but turns out, I'm just lazy.

The Triplets are born

My aunt Shelly just gave birth to triplets (11/19/08). Two girls and one boy. Look at the picture of Ian, Ilyanna, and India.
On November 19, 2009 the newest members of the family were born. Ian Nathaniel born at 11:51 a.m. weighed in at 3lbs 6oz; India Mila born at 11:52 a.m. weighed 2lbs 12oz, and last but not least Ilyana Amber born at 11:53 a.m. weighed 3lbs 3oz. They came into to the world after a 30 week stay in aunties belly and her enduring 12 week long hospital stay.