Showing posts with label babies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label babies. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

[ Alilia Ali'itasi Asiata ]

Okay so I'm a bit late on the whole birth story but better late than never right?? Plus I thought that me being a new mom could be a good excuse for slacking on keepin up with my blog... haha So here it is...

Our Birth Story:

Monday (June 25th) afternoon we slept in a little. After cleaning up around the house I had Shawn drop me at my moms while he went to get our oil changed and work out. While I was there I ended up running dance practice with Sia since it had been her first show back since having 2 kids. I was totally dying lol...not only from being out of breath but also because I felt I was having light cramps. Afterwards, about 4pm we headed to the Gallivan Center for band and show rehearsal, even there I didn't feel to good- it was so hot and I still had cramps. =/ After Shawn had picked me up from the Gallivan Center we headed home just in time to get ready and return back to the show. On my way home the cramps increased but I was so busy trying to hurry and get ready and grab last minute show things while I was out of breath just getting ready.

The show turned out great, the girls did good and made me really want to return to dancing. I think I probably had too much fun and got caught up being busy I didn't realize I had been cramping up. Anyway, on our way home that night my parents called us and we met up with them to eat at Village Inn, and even at Village Inn I couldn't even eat because my cramps had increased so bad. By then I thought for sure they were Braxton Hicks if anything. There my parents gave us their hotel room they had received from doing the show. They told us to take the room since it'd probably be our last night before baby comes....i think they jinxed us ;) haha...

We took em up on the deal and headed back downtown to the Marriott. The whole car ride there I felt cramps, but they were coming at consecutive times...it was a bit odd because I never had cramps like that before. I still didn't mind em though... still ignored em- or at least tried to. As the pain increased I decided just to take a hot bath. That was like heaven.... it felt so good and my cramping stopped of course, BUT... I was seriously dying of heat in there so I got out and low and behold- started crampin up again. =/ All this time though I had been spotting and it was like the later it got the more I'd bleed. It was really strange....but still I didn't think it was anything. We laid down to sleep and of course Shawn knocked out lol... I would sleep for about 10 minutes and wake right back up to the pain of cramping. =( Then it turned into every 7 minutes that it was cramping... by then it was about 3AM. I could not take it anymore. I got up, pulled out the laptop and googled "the difference between Braxton Hicks and Labor contractions". LOL... Don't judge me...how was I suppose to know?? haha After reading the difference I now knew I was having contractions because the pain had been through my lower back and to the front. It was seriously to the point where I almost couldn't walk. Then I remembered what the doc said- that once I get to the point where I can't speak through contractions...then I should come in. Well...being that we were downtown and about 20 minutes from our hospital I woke up my sound asleep husband, because if anything I wanted to be able to walk to the car instead of being hauled off during labor in an ambulance at 3:30am. I'm sure the hotel guests wouldn't appreciate that. haha I told Shawn I thought that we should go home and at least be closer to the hospital if anything. He agreed so graciously....it surprised me. haha
We got in the car, Shawn said a prayer (that of course I cried through haha) and headed out. During our ride I got a bit frustrated because it felt like Shawn had taken THE bumpiest and longest road to the freeway (even though it's not that far from 200 south to catching the freeway on 400 south lol, dramatic much?? lol)  and not only that the pain had increased even more. Oh my gosh...I wanted someone to just shoot me. haha... As we got closer to our exit Shawn suggested we just go straight into the hospital and see whats wrong. We checked in about 4:30... I changed.... and managed to take this pic while in pain. lol...

The nurses soon came in and took tests. When results came back they told me I was dilated to a 6. HOLY COW... ARE YOU KIDDING ME? and here I am thinking I was having Braxton Hicks all day. haha... Anyway, they radio'd some folks and said it was time to prepare for labor. I then was taken to my labor room. The nurses then asked me if I wanted to get the epidural.... and of course I wanted it. lol.. The anesthesiologist then came in to give it to me. Now, I've heard a bunch of crazy things about getting the epidural and how big the needle is or how bad it hurts to get it. At that time I can say I was pretty chill... My back was to him so I was straight....and it seemed that nothing could seriously be as painful as the cramps I was just having.....until I looked at Shawn. He was looking at the anesthesiologist like he was crazy. I got a little frightened looking at Shawn so I looked away and suddenly a crazy thought came to mind. I could not believe in hopefully less than a few hours I was actually gonna be a mother- I was gonna have a daughter...a child, someone would belong to me, someone's life would depend on my decisions....it was so crazy, I felt numb.......but then realized the epidural was kickin in. ;) LOL....

After I got the epidural, my mom and sister Lusi walked in. By now it was about 5:30am. We sat and talked, and THANK GOD for the epidural because apparently I had been having contractions that whole time and didn't feel anything. The doctor on duty came in and we talked for a little, he then broke my water to speed up the process. Of course I still didn't feel anything, but was relieved that at least my water had broken. He also told me my OB would be in at 7 so he would end up delivering baby. I was so happy!! =) After that doc had left my dad and brother Josh walked in. I was so happy to see them. I knew what they were there for and so glad they had come. They gave me a wonderful blessing of comfort- exactly what I needed. =) Right after they gave it to me the nurses had been swapping out shifts. The one's I was with since I got there introduced me to the new nurse Aneisa- she was a sweetheart. She decided to check me just to see where I was, when she checked she said I was fully dilated to a 10 and that it was time to prepare for labor....FOR REAL! haha. Soon after my OB, Dr. Kaelberer came in. =) Aneisa gave me the "pushing lecture" and suggested we do a practice push.
So Shawn was on my right, Aneisa on my left, mom and lusi on the sides, and Dr. Kaelberer in front. 1....2...3... and I pushed. Everyone gasped of course because just with that one practice push baby began crowning. hahahaha... So then we I just pushed 3 more times and BAM..baby was out. haha. As hard as it was push I remember wanting to laugh because once I knew babies head was out and I was pushing the last pushes I looked up at mom and she was full on crying covering her mouth. LOL... it was so funny...

It was amazing and seemed pretty fast to me. Baby was born at 7:44am. Weighing in at 7lbs 6oz. and 20.5 inches long. They cleaned her off and handed her to me. My heart seriously almost stopped. I was so taken by the fact that I just gave birth to her. It was the most fascinating thing to me. Let's just say I'm so grateful for priesthood power. The blessing I had received eased EVERYTHING. My testimony of the priesthood power has strengthened because of my delivering experience. The whole time during my pregnancy I was freaked out about actually giving birth. I was scared and expecting the worst. =( But after my dad and brothers blessing, everything was smooth sailing from there- even to now as I'm still recovering and baby's health. She is so strong, so beautiful, and so healthy and I couldn't ask for anything more....




As Shawn and I sat there and held her and adored the heck out of her guessing who she looked like and which features of ours she had, we [still struggled with a name.] Through out the whole pregnancy we were seriously on stuck mode with a name for her. We knew we wanted Shawns sister Segas name to be part of babys name but just didn't know how we'd do it. I remembered my mom had told me a story of her great grandma 'Alilia (daughter of King Tupous sister) who had been the last child born in the palace in Tonga when the palace was still in Niua Toputapu. And since I heard the name, I fell in love with it. =) I mean, I didn't know I'd ever name my daughter that but when I held her and just looked at her sweet face I knew that'd be her name. Ali'itasi is her middle name- that also happens to be Segas name. Segas name Ali'itasi comes from a grand aunt of theirs that raised their dad. So it really is an honor for our baby girl to be named after 'Alilia and Ali'itasi, being that it's Segas name as well as their grand aunt. =) I love our babies name, but I promise it's not because she's my daughter....more because of how feminine, pretty, and because of where the names actually come from. 


Anyway.....There's her story....
I was going to have my cousin do photograph her birth story but being that she had gotten in late that Monday night from Miami travelling with her 3 babies I didn't even dare bother her at 4am. haha Plus I was lookin' all kindza hash after giving birth...hahaha, but I'm glad I actually got to get this out on blog while it's all still very fresh to me. Just within the past 2 weeks of having baby, life has dramatically changed.....for the good though. I thought life had changed after marriage. Well it changed even more after having baby, but I absolutely love every second of it and wouldn't trade it for the world. I love my 'Alilia Ali'itasi Asiata and thank God everyday for such and amazing blessing in my life. 

Love you baby girl....

Here are just some pictures from our hospital stay. Thank you to all the wonderful nurses and staff at IMC for such a wonderful experience. And an even bigger THANK YOU to our incredible family and friends who took the time to visit us during this special life changing event, we love you ALL!! XOXO

...going to shower...
she always calms down when she holds her daddys finger
....already daddys little girl....


...my Delta Girls coming to visit the newest edition to the Delta Fam... ;)
Aunty Leah, Aunty Aida, and Aunty Eta



....didn't make it to my work shower they had for me, so they brought my shower to me....
best CoWoRkErs and team EVER =)



...of course SHE would take over MY bed...


....twinners?....


....chunky monkey & chunky MOMMY's face...
ewww....but i love it because it's our first picture =)




We start em young

Thank you Aunty Sela & Aunty Saga for the Ute gear!



Monday, March 5, 2012

[ Expect the UNexpected ]

I've recently found out that we (Shawn and I) are expecting. So many mixed emotions come with it but overall I can't help but find myself overwhelmed.....with EXCITEMENT for many reasons. I'm one that always said I never wanted kids... I love my nieces and nephews more than ANYONE and ANYTHING in this world BUT I honestly wasn't sure of wanting any of my own- at least I thought I didn't. And finally after 6 years we're having one and I'm beyond excited to be carrying this child. Now I know we didn't do things the 'right' way or the way I wish we would've went about but I guess at this point its not about how we started but how we finish, or at least that's what I like to believe ;) lol.

Just the thought of this child being chosen to come to earth at this particular time means that this child....MY child was sent to me for a specific reason... to be a leader in Zion {YES REEEEALLLY lol}. It's a bit overwhelming to think that Heavenly Father picked me as a mother to teach and nurture this child the way my mother taught me. To instill in this child's heart and mind what our purpose here on earth is...what's right and what's wrong, etc...even though I feel I should be the LAST person teaching that haha ;).  I just hope and pray that thru my own life experiences and choices that I can be a mother like mine...one so bold and honest with unwavering faith and hope in ME **teardrop** I know I've been such a disappointment to my parents with this kind of news and regardless the hurt that I bring them my mother remains by my side. I hope I can be HALF the woman she is. We have our differences and majority of the time are disagreeing about my decisions yet she still holds her arms out to me and willing to take me in no matter what {best daughter right? lol} I truly am grateful and blessed so much to have her as MY mother.
Untitled


...back to the pregnancy...
This is a whole new "adventure" for me... A life I knew I'd run into if I chose to make certain decisions. I knew the consequences that would follow, at one point Shawn and I actually took a break from each other and "dated around" and that was a blast lol.....but it just wasn't the same with out him. I guess you could say fate brought us back together... ;)
Life carried on........
This time together our plates full of opportunity and life. Shawn was back at the U of U for school & football. Soon after much perseverence & hard work he was given a scholarship which helped him tremendously. It motivated him to work harder and do better.... After this last year at the U he started working with an agent who is just AMAZING to say the very least. So if all works out Shawn will have reached a dream come true, and I'd be so happy for him. :)
I on the other hand  was blessed with my own opportunities that filled my plate quickly.... I  upgraded at work to full time, practically dedicated my life to Delta haha... Not to long after opportunity knocked at my door again... I was picked up as a Internet Video Host aka Video Jockey for The Whatitdo.com an urban island entertainment website. And that has been one of the greatest opportunities I've faced in my life. I've learned a ton from it....still am.... And the people I meet thru it are the most inspiring people. I can honestly say I HEART IT- I want to do more with it. Not only has this opportunity come my way but as well as another with MuSiC! So many offers by so many talented successful people, i cant help but feel blessed and ready to tackle another dream.
While doing our best to stay on top of our grind {haha} mine and Shawn's relationship has definitely grown, marriage was never really a question with us, we knew we wanted to but picking the time was always in the air. With everything going on in our lives I made every excuse of "why NOT to get married" i still wanted to 'PLAY' i guess. I had a whole list of places to travel.... And so many things i would put in my life before marriage. Why? I don't know. But even with that this patient guy of mine insisted we tie the knot, for so many valid reasons (like this one lol). I knew i didn't want anyone else..I knew that Shawn was the main reason me and any other guy never worked out. I mean... those who know us know we are the furthest from perfect, but we try, and we make it work- and with all of the above going on in our lives- getting prego was the last thing we had expected.  But now that we are...I am... I know it's gonna put things in my life on hold for a little. I dont know if i was afraid of marriage commitment or what but i just thought i never wanted to settle down. Since we've found out I've sat and reflected on my own life thus far and to my surprise I've pretty much done EVERYTHING I've wanted to. I've "played" with my friends... I've done the whole 'going out' thing....I've danced on the road, I've travelled, I've gone international, I've met so many people, I've made music, I've been and won beauty pageants, I've tasted the college life (and still need to finish), I've been in an independent film (that I'm still waiting to see lol), I've spent money like crazy on useless things, I've dated around,  I've done so many things that I can say I'm proud of.....& not so proud of lol and but that's me. =)  looking over all that kinda reassured me that  I am without a doubt ready to just settle down. I mean, I'm not going to be a boring mom now but I'll at least slow down for a bit...I  thought that life would end if/when I ever got married...or pregnant, but now that I am... I feel like I have so much more to work for and I'm honestly so ready for it. 
I know this has been such a disappointment to SO MANY. I've hurt so many people I love with decisions I've made....but, I've made em and I'm the one living the consequences (so GET OVER IT if you're not haha j/k) Am I complaining? NO WAY. I actually consider myself very lucky. I have the best support system EVER. My relationship with my sister Lusi has grown in so many ways, as well as with my mom. It's crazy but I love it. =) at times i do feel alone. I do feel stressed. I feel nervous. Im scared. Sometimes I just wanna break down and cry because I don't know the answers to some things.... But nonetheless i am grateful that regardless of my choices the lord has still blessed me with such an awesome family, the most supportive friends,  the gift of motherhood. And because of that... I'm ready to expect whatever is unexpected....take it....run with it.... And be as happy as I can for this gift in me. 

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

[our own MIRACLE baby]

June 14, 2011
1:18pm
After a quick C section this beautiful thing


was born. 
LaVona Zola Maumau

How blessed our we that Lusis C section went well and our beautiful, fattest, healthiest,  newest edition is perfect. She looks just like Pili, and Pili says she looks like me. haha...She has the chubbiest cheeks, I love it.


Lusi doesn't like to talk about it but this baby girl is extra special because back in 2009 Lusi miscarried. 
She was pregnant.
(not too sure how far along, I think 16 weeks or so....still early though, I remember that)
We were all excited because they were looking forward to having another one already even though Pili was only 1.
We had a family reunion out in San Fransisco and while we were out there Lusi wasn't feeling good. We all, along with her thought it was just her normal pregnancy sickness.....cramps, throwing up, etc, etc...
Well, we all went out to our activities for that day at some park nearby the hotel. Lusi didn't feel very well so my mom insisted she stay back at the hotel because she couldn't even walk. Afterwards we came back to the hotel to find my sister and her husband sitting back, quiet......eyes still full of tears.

My mom asked what happened and Lusi just broke down again repeating that she had lost baby. I (with my sisters and my mom I'm sure) had so many questions and mixed emotions. =( I felt for my siter. There was nothing I could do. And for the first time nothing my mom could do either. I was confused as to what happened.....and why? It's not like Lusi and Will were living life in any wrong way, in fact they were leaders in church who fulfilled their church callings to the fullest, worked hard to support their little family and both were just the most obedient children to their parents.......I questioned the Lord and was a bit hurt and upset, even though I already knew everything happens for a reason.
It still hurt because I knew there was nothing I could do as my sister sat there helpless. I just wanted to cry..........................okay, I was crying but I wanted to cry my eyeballs out but I knew I needed to be strong for Lusi. I couldn't even imagine how she felt. 

She had explained that she was bleeding and didnt' know why it wouldn't stop. She called Will in to help her and next thing she knew chunks of blood were coming out and all of a sudden a huge one came out and when Will had realized what it was he picked it up and noticed it had been the fetal. It was too late. He sat down and held it in his hand while they both cried....helpless to the situation ;( 

I don't know, but I'm sure they had so many questions why this happened. After talking to my parents and finding some comfort in each other they were strong enough to finish up our reunion. Not once did they change their lifestyle or doubt the Lord in any way because of what happened. And I admire them both so much for it. When Lusi found out she was pregnant with LaVona she asked that we don't tell anyone {at least not yet} because she didin't want to have anything happen like before. That day I found out my sisters feelings about what happened back in San Fran at our reunion. She told us that since that day she lost her baby there isn't one day she doesn't think about it. Not one day she doesn't think about what could've, what should've, and would've happened if she didn't lose baby. So we were to keep quiet about his pregnancy because She wanted to atleast get far enough in her pregagnacy as a reassurance things would be 'OKAY' 

This pregnancy was really tough for her. She was still so sick even though she was careful through out the whole pregnancy. She threw up soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
much. And it was much different than when she was pregnant with Pili, I don't remember being at all this sick with him. But even with all her sickness with this little girl everything came out perfect as far as her birth. 
And I love her. She is so adorable and is truly our miracle baby and our little angel. 
I like to think of her kind of like me......the miracle baby ;) LOL j/k.... only cause my mom had TWO miscarriages before me, so the name fits perfect ;) haha...
Anyway,
Pili just adores her so much and always wants to hold her all the time.  I asked him if I can have her for me and he said 
"NO, YOU CAN HAVE AUNTY ASHLEY!" lol.... this kid's too much.
I'm so happy for my sister Lusi and her newest beautiful edition to her family......mostly I am thankful for her because babies name. lol... Lavona is ME!! And I can NOT wait to spoil the hell out of this baby.
Love You Baby Lavona Zola

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

[Panda Date]

Pili loves Kung Fu Panda 1,
so immediately after he saw the previews to Kung Fu Panda 2 he asked me to go. Since I was out in Minneapolis working the day it came out we had to postpone our movie date til I came back.Well.... we went yesterday and Pili loved it. Heck...so did I. I was a little hesitant about taking Pili to the movies because the last movie I took him to I almost strangled him because he kept moving and talking and walking around. LOL but he was such a good boy this time around.
The only thing I didn't like too much was that I spent $60 on just us 3. And what made it worse was that it was a flippin' matinee'. I was so mad.... but it was all good because Pili totally enjoyed himself. 





After our movie we were starving. Asked Pili what he wanted to eat and of course he said "PANDA ESSSPRESS" {that's how Pili says panda express lol} and this is what the Panda employees and customers got when Pili got in there. LOL




I loved my date with my little man Pili. He was such a good sport in the movie theater. So good that I even got him his outfit and new shoes for Aunty Frankies graduation this weekend. =)
Being an Aunt I think is more fun than having a fun aunty...I love spending time with this little guy. He's such a character and I can't wait until his sister gets here.....thats when the REAL fun will begin ;)

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

[Weekend Round Up: New Beginnings]

Lots of special things took place this past week(END).

1.) I began my work outs and new diet with my new personal trainer. Did I about die? At the gym NO, but the next 2 days......YES I DID from being sore. haha all good though, the pain was a good kinda pain! =)
So  now insted of...


2.) My cousin Feni married his sweetheart Mele (Dukie). With Prince William and Kate's wedding being held the same weekend it was quite the joke that this was our own "ROYAL WEDDING" here in Utah. If you know this side of my family....you know why. Feni's the boy version of a princess. ;) hahaha.. Temple marriages always turn out beautiful and are always a great reminder of how we should all end up. =)
 Thanks Mele and Feni for allowing me to share this special day with you guys!! Best wishes to these two and the beginning of their eternal life together!!! =)



3.) My twin Ofa

blessed his sweet baby girl [Lanarae] this past Sunday. Ofas been through a lot and it was such a peaceful and comforting feeling when Ofa began the blessing. I honestly didn't know he was blessing baby until I heard him. And I just started crying like a baby. LOL... I'm so proud of Ofa and Trish and how far they've come along. I love them both so much....but not more than I love Lana. =) The blessing was beautiful and I'm glad I got to witness such a wonderful experience. Can't wait to watch this sweet girl grow and fulfill everything her daddy blessed her with. Xoxo...

4.) Lastly...I attended my stake conference for our Single Stake. With all the changes going on with the new stakes and new areas I'm thrilled to see what's in store for me. I love my singles ward and although the church is the same no matter which ward I attend, I wouldn't want to be in any other ward than my own. Most of all through out this weekend and the changes going on with the single wards, I'm glad that Shawn is sticking with me through it all.......and I don't even have to tell him. hahahaha...slowly but surely we're coming around. =) Yipee!!


Sunday, March 6, 2011

[i am in love.....]

..with my newest niece.
LanaRae Kilisitina Mapu
I'm a bit behind on my blogging because this girl was born 4 days ago and i'm just barely introducing her to all 30 of my followers. haha...
She was born
March 2, 2011.
(she's a March baby, which means she's due some serious greatness like her Aunty Leta ;p)
8 lbs 3 oz.





A funny story about this night...

So I was working, trying to get out early the moment I found out that Trish was going into labor. Mind you... she started early at about 4am and didn't have baby until 1pm, well I start work at 2 so from the time I got to work to the time I was off (1030p) I was trying my hardest to get out of work early. Well, we had late flights so there was no way I was leaving early. I was frustrated because most nights we get out early, but the night that I was dying to meet my new niece we happened to have a late flight. I was ticked. To top it off, the passengers that we had misconnected that night just tore me apart. They basically just vented to me, swearing up a storm and telling me how bad we've screwed them over. Kinda rude but the whole time I was getting yelled at, it was going in one ear and out the other. I just didn't care what anyone was saying because I wanted to get to the hospital. Anyhow, after we were done at about 1130pm and finally released to go home my dad started giving me a hard time about going to the hospital so late. He said that Trish and Ofa have been up since 4am and have had visitors aaaall day long, and that I should just be considerate and just see em and baby the following day. Well.... I couldn't because I had an early dentist appointment and I had to work and wouldn't be able to see baby. So after all my bickering and being a butt head to my poor dad, I left to the hospital after I got the okay from Ofa to come through.
The moment I walked in, my eyes just teared up. I then couldn't help it by the time I held her in my arms. She felt like mine.. haha seriously. Ofas basically my twin, and to be holding his baby just meant so much to me. It reminded me of when I held Tangis first born, Nana. Sias baby boy Danny, and of course Lusis first born, Pili.
I love how nieces and nephews make eeeeverything better.

this night,
LanaRae made all the stress from work go away and magically made it just perfect!!!!! =)
Love my new niecey!!

Friday, February 18, 2011

[introducing....]

My newest nephew
Revi Hama'a Tupua.
7 lbs. 14 oz. born on February 15, 2011.


His hot mama, my sister Sia had a pretty rough preganancy with this little guy, probably the hardest one since her first born. He was her first child that she went full term with and lucky for me I was the 'go to' girl for her almost daily visits to Chilis to eat a Chocolate Molten Cake. haha  But look at him....he's so worth it all!!


Monday, February 7, 2011

{Lanarae Kilisitina Mapu}

This past weekend we had a baby shower for cousin Ofas wife, Patricia. 

Patricia and her sister Ema

It turned out great and just what we expected. I loooove small....intimate functions, because the most important people are there, and that's all you have to cater to.
Tina did games....

.....Lusi and I did decorations and party favors



Tricias family made the goodies.......



and everyone else's company and gifts
made the shower just right!! =)




We will meet Lanarae Kilisitina Mapu next month sometime.....with the help of everyone, this girl's set to rock this world. Can't wait to meet this diva!! =)