Photo Thoughts: I feel really big. Like this belly just popped out of nowhere. It went from perfect and round at 34 weeks to just all over the place at 37. It's amazing how much change can happen is a few weeks.

Weight Gain/Loss: +29 ok so I'm freaking out a bit. I mean come on I'm pushing 30lbs here with 3 weeks to go. I really don't want to gain too much because I know it'll be harder to lose it later. Maybe it'll help if I stop eating like a beast. But I love food sooo much.

Cravings: nothing big again except for yesterday when the hubby brought homemade cookies from his mothers and I ate them all in one seating. Then I wanted more so bad that I was willing to go pick some up. Lucky for me she wasn't home. I don't know what would of happened if she was.

What I love: I love that school is finally over for a few weeks and that i can ficus on anything I want. whether is baby related or self related. I hope after AJ comes that everything goes slowly. I'm not looking forward to going back to school with a less than a month old baby at home :(

What I'm looking forward to: no more school work! Yaayyy! Also I'm looking forward to 12 weeks of no work and only 2 more work days before I stop working. At first I had planned to work right up to when I deliver but the past week has been so hectic and I've been so tired that I think it might be a good idea to leave a week before my due date. That way I can relax and even have a normal sleep pattern even if its only one week.

Worries: you know, there's always something to be worry about in pregnancy. During your first trimester you worry you may miscarry. During the second you worry about premature birth. And at the third you worry about the cord getting wrapped around the neck and much worse things. I don't if its due to me working at the NICU and MBU so I see lots of things that are just crazy. But boy am I happy that its almost over.

Symptoms: to add on to last weeks symptoms I'm also having heartburn and leg pain. And yet all the other symptoms and aches that seem not to go away

Sleep: uncomfortable. That's all I can say this week. I mean the sleep is fine is just the leg pain n pressure that really bother me. Also the flattened bladder that sends unbearable sharp pains in the middle of the night. I really look forward to when these symptoms are no more.

Movement: no so much which always worries me. Yet again I've had a crazy schedule the last week and I'm thinking that the lack of movement is due to my unorganized routines. Some days I'm up all night, others I sleep. Then I go to school with too little sleep n nap in the afternoon bla bla bla. Every day is something different, no wonder baby gets all confused.

The Belly: BIG. I don't want to talk about it. Lol jk. I'm really in shock how much my belly has expanded the last few weeks. Is like wow momma.

Milestones: this week baby's actual weight is 6lbs 5oz and is a little over 18in long. His lungs and other organs are mature enough for him to live in the outside world without intervention. If born now he'll no longer be consider premature, meaning he is fully cooked. Now is just the waiting game. :)

Best moment of the week: getting a negative GBS result. It may sound like little accomplishment but all I really want is a natural delivery and stay home as long as possible and if I would of been positive I would of had to be in the hospital ASAP to get me started on antibiotics. So yeah that's all for now.

At 37 weeks and as anxious as I am to have my sweet baby make his big debut you would think I would have my bags packed and ready to go right? Yea, not exactly. I've been waiting for several reasons. One, what the heck do I pack? Two, I needed to do some research. And three, I was waiting for the semester to end because that was my way of knowing that things could really get real at any given moment.

So after some research and some lists making I think I'm ready to finally finish packing the bags. Here's what I've included in ours from the many sites I found lists at and from what was recommended in our childbirth class.

Mommy Bag
-Insurance Card
-ID/Drivers License
-Birth plan
-Childbirth/Breastfeeding booklets for reference. Once you're in the heat of the moment you tend to forget things and panic so this is my go to "person".
-Massage oils and tools to help with contractions and stay calm
-Swimsuit. Again I'm bringing this to be able to get in the shower/hot tube while having contractions to use the warm water to help my muscles relax since I'm planning on a natural birth.
-Medicine ball. I heard our hospital have 1 available but come on ONE!
-Toothbrush & toothpaste
-Deodorant
-Hair brush & comb
-Hair clips/ties
-Lip balm
-Eye glasses & contacts
-contact case & solution
-Camera, cells, chargers
-Socks
-Slippers
-Flip flops (for shower. I really don't like going into showers barefoot)
-Robe if you don't want to use the hospital ones.
-PJs or sweats
-Nursing bra & pads
-Underwear. I packed one pair just in case but I plan on using the hospital ones since they're comfy and disposable.
-Anti-bacterial soap & body wash
-Lotion
-Makeup. I packed eyeliner, mascara, and blush to get dolled up after delivery because you know darn well your visitors will be going all paparazzi on you and baby. And depending how much blood you lose you might look like a ghost ;)
-Going home outfit. I recommend something lose and comfortable. I hear stories all the time of girls wearing their pre-pregnancy jeans to go home but seriously why would you want to do that to yourself? Wouldn't you want to feel comfortable and able to move? I don't know maybe its just me but I'm packing yoga pants.
-Cash/Coins for vending machines (although they have juice, sodas, crackers, etc available in the patient kitchens in our hospital)
-Snacks/Hard candy
-Nook just in case you get a chance to read or just to keep you entertained while in L&D
***I saw a nightlight in many list but I know for a fact our hospital rooms have multiple switches for lights and some can be dimmed down so I'm not packing this.


Daddy Bag (he's sharing my bag)
-Toothbrush
-Toothpaste
-PJs/Change of clothes
-Pillow/Blanket. This is offered at our hospital for daddies but sometimes the house is full and it can get extremely cold in the rooms.
*The hubby will most likely go home and shower so I'm not too concern on things for him. Plus he has to go home to take care of our dog and take back the medicine ball.


Baby Bag
-Going home outfit x2 in case one don't fit or gets dirty. Don't underestimate the size of baby. I did with my first and I was glad I brought several outfits. Even at 7lbs 6oz he didn't fit into the 0-3 clothes.
-A couple onesies and layette (I plan on keeping baby with our own clothes instead of the hospitals little shirts)
-Bibs
-Burping cloths
-Hats
-Sock & mitten
-Wipes
-Blankets (both fleece and swaddle)
-Baby book for foot prints etc
-Hand sanitizer
-Boppy
-Carseat with installed base
-Head support for carseat


What not to pack
These items should be provided by your hospital in large quantities. Double check if you want to make sure your local hospital does. I know mine does.

-Diapers
-Bottles/Formula
-Pacifiers. Unless you want to use your own.
-Baby socks and hats
-Receiving blankets
-Breastfeeding pump
-Lanolin (nipple cream)
-Wipes (our hospital provides dry wipes so I packed our own)
-Disposable panties
-Feminine products
-Towels
-Pillows & Blankets

So this is it. My list for packing a hospital bag. I hope you find it as useful as I did and feel free to comment and add things I might of forgotten. Good Luck!

xoxo
Pamela

Photo Thoughts: who am I kidding, I look huge. Kinda like a pregnant snake lol skinny everywhere with this huge belly just popping out.

Weight Gain/Loss: +27 so far. I have to admit that I've been eating a lot. My appetite has increased like crazy and I don't know why since I was told and have read that usually toward the end you lose your appetite because you're do uncomfortable by then. It is in fact uncomfortable but I guess food is my comfort. Question is should I give in to it or not? I'm only 3 weeks away if that, so how much can I really gain right?! :)

Cravings: nothing really in particular. I'm still loving my grains and pasta. I have been more interested in sweet drinks though instead of water. Water just gets me nauseous. It's just so plain. Ice is another one. But it has to be ice from my job. Weird.

What I love: again I love that I'm a week closer to meeting my baby boy. And let's not forget that the semester is done in one week. Eeekkk! Super exciting.

What I'm looking forward to: no more work. Boy if I could go on maternity leave now I would totally do it. I dream of cuddling in my bed to my babies not worrying about cooking or cleaning or getting up for anything. My mom will be staying with me and she's a great help so having endless amount of sleep is what I'm really looking forward too :)

Worries: my only worry or concern right now is not having a "good labor". Whatever that is. I have a plan, just like many women out there. And I know things might not go according to it but I really hope I'm not one of the "lucky" ones who spend 20+ hours in labor to then end up with a C-section. That is my worry and greatest fear.

Symptoms: swelling, back pain, fatigue, and lets not forget that pressure. *sighs* ugh I'm just so over it all.

Sleep: Still good. I've def been feeling more tired lately. All I want to do is sleep. It could be because I've been going to bed later though. I'm just happy I can sleep ok compare to before.

Movement: Are still good and many. Maybe the past couple of days they have been less but not something I find to be worry about. He's still moving a good amount.

The Belly: I see it BIG! I don't know I haven't gotten any new stretch marks. I hope things don't go downhill from this point. :(

Milestones: baby boy is over 18 inches long and weighs over 6lbs. Most of his bones have completely hardened with the exception of his skull. That needs to be flexible for the trip down the birth canal. Muscle tone is improving daily and his reflexes keep getting better an better. Especially that ulnar wraps.

Best moment of the week: last week of my baby being consider preterm. He can come any day and it'll be ok. I really hopes he comes before the year ends but I'll wait till he's ready. I'm feeling really anxious and nervous knowing he can come at any given time. Labor can be so unpredictable and I hate not knowing when to expect this to happen.

35 weeks down and 35 days to go. Well technically there's 28 days to go as of today :)

Photo Thoughts: that's all baby people. I'm confident and no one can tell me otherwise. I have a picture at nine months with my son and I was way bigger even my face look like a ball. And by the looks of it this baby might just be a bit bigger.

Weight Gain/Loss: +24 getting there! I hope I don't pass 30lbs that way it'll be faster to lose them. I believe I gained 35ish with my son so I could say I'm in track :)

Cravings: still sweets but not as bad as rice. Not just any rice either, it has to be my moms rice. Some rice, beans, and meat with salad... Yum! I get hungry just thinking about it.

What I love: knowing my baby has been growing on track and healthy. That's like music to my ears. All the worry and scare and extra appointments

What I'm looking forward to: no more back pain (as if), pelvic pain, thigh pain, leg cramps, swollen fingers and piggies, I love you baby AJ but I kinda want my body back.

Worries: My only worry right now is that baby will be over 8lbs. Silly I know. Although I think chubby babies with fat cheeks are the best I rather him get chubby after I've pushed him out not before. So please dear lord, and baby, stay under 8lbs. Thank you.

Symptoms: same old back pain except this week the pelvic pressure has taken over. Omg I can hardly walk from all the pressure. It has given me thigh pain and buttocks pain too. During my ultrasound in Tuesday I asked how low baby was and the tech said he was still pretty high up so I don't understand where the pressure is coming from. And to think that if he drops before labor it will only get worse. Mama Mia! I'm in deep trouble.

Sleep: still doing good in this department and I hope it continues to stay this way. I could use all the good sleep that I can before baby comes. Right?!

Movement: still moving like a soccer player. Or maybe a dancer. He certainly don't feel like a surgeon, surgeons need to stay still most of the time and he has not stop moving since I first him back in week 15/16.

The Belly: 34 weeks was my favorite, 35 has been the worse thus far. With all the pressure, swelling, cramping and those darn Braxton Hicks. Hay hay hay. But belly still look good font it!? ;)

Milestones: baby is weighing in at 5lbs 15oz as of Tuesday. His digestive tract is getting ready for the first meal. Most vital organs are fully ready. Baby has great chance at survival is born now. Fat factory is working overtime to get this little monkey really for the outside world and all it's requirement.

Best moment of the week: getting the nursery semi finished. All furniture has been put together and in their right place. Baby clothes have been washed, folded, organized, and put away. Did I mention I also got my cloth diaper beginners stash? Oh boy you have no idea how excited I was to open that box. That just needs a quick wash and we will be all set to go :)

Today I bring you a list of confessions Wednesday because I have lots on my mind.

1. I'm a BIG procrastinator- although I've always played it off by saying that I just work better under pressure. However, after realizing that there's only 1 week left of classes and I have 10 assignments due there just isn't a better explanation. I'm a procrastinator and I need to start taking responsibility for it and put an end to it.

2. I'm a dreamer- oh boy am I a dreamer. Ask the hubby, he'll tell you. I want to do so much, go to too many places, I like everything to be perfect. Most times it all interferes with my culture and more often then not I see myself trying to be someone that I'm not. I mean I love my culture, there's so much about it that I enjoy doing like the cooking, partying, etc but I think it's kind if disorganized compare to others. Traditions are not like those of many in this country and I'm told by the hubby that I'm always trying to combine both cultures with not too much success lol.

3. I enjoy blogging- not only that but I love reading other blogs as well. Especially those that are based more on a "real normal life" with less sponsors. I do wish I had the time to write a blog post every day or at least 3-4x a week. Sometimes I just don't have interesting things to say and I don't want to bore everyone.

4. I consider my dearest friends those I "met" online while planning my wedding- these woman are amazing! I can't never find enough wonderful things to say about them. My home friends think I'm crazy and even weird for talking to people "I've never seen" on a daily basis but if there's a groups of girls that understand the things happening in my life right now it's certainly them.

5. I suffer from mood swings ( and no is not due to the pregnancy, well not all of it at least)- there are times I get mad at someone over something stupid that is not even worth arguing so I just hold it in and I ignore their calls etc but not because I'm being a witch, or maybe I am, but mainly is because I know it's stupid and I don't want to argue about it. Other times I just don't want to deal with anyone. So I set my phone to "do no disturb" mode and voila! Problem solved. Many might think I'm being childish but I see it as a way of avoiding an argument that's not worth the time or effort. Just key me get over it and it'll be like it never happened. That's why the do no disturb feature on my cell is so awesome. I can just say my phone was on silent or I was napping and didn't hear it all the while I really didn't hear it.

6. I'm not really into this holiday season- I don't know why that is. Or maybe is because I had so much I wanted to do this year. More traditions, decorating, baking, and so forth but I'm so tired all the time. And I have so much going on and things I have to do that I have to give priorities to those other things. Like school work for example or even finishing the nursery. That's after cleaning and cooking and doing laundry too. I don't know how people do it honestly. How can you take on so many responsibilities and succeed in all of them meanwhile I'm drowning here.

7. I've been very forgetful lately- I forget everything! No lie. From what days I work to where I left my keys. I forget when the bills are due, things I have to do, sometimes even to cook. That's serious ain't it? I already set reminders in my phone to remind me about appointments. Now I have to start making lists to keep me caught up in my everyday life. I downloaded this app called "errands" where I can make a list and check off item per item when they're completed. I can set them up by day or week, meaning I can group things by due dates that way I know when certain things are due. I just hope I remember to check the app lol.

8. I often take more than I can handle- this is an ongoing problem. Which might be the cause of my forgetfulness and even procrastination as I keep putting things off and off until its too late and I need to get it done NOW! And with so many things going on how can I not forget to do some of them. Right?

9. My writing sucks!- I blame this in my being bilingual. That's an excuse right? I know how to write obviously my problem is finding the right words to describe what I'm trying to say. I should have a pretty large vocabulary for my age I think yet I find myself using simple words and lots of "but, and, if". There's this blogger I follow who hasn't posted in a while but she did something to her blog that would tell her her most frequent used words. I thought it was pretty neat and just imagine what words will come up over and over for me lol. Needless to say I didn't even considered doing that since I knew where it was heading hahaha.

10. I'm scare- of how life after baby come will be. I know there's never be the "right time" to have a child yet I'm a bit concern how it will affect my life as a student, housewife, working mom, friend, etc. will I lose my sanity? A baby is a lot of hard work and although I feel ready for it I see how I struggle with keeping up to date with certain things, like school, and baby is not even here yet. I'm just worry that I'll fail at one thing or another. I really hope that taking the full 12 weeks of maternity leave and returning to work as part time will make a difference.

That's all for now folks. I think I should make serious resolution plans for this coming year and do a follow up post mid-year to see where I stand. There's always room for improvement you just need dedication right? Well let's see how baby treats me and how the new year finds me ;)

Happy Hump Day!

The anticipation of meeting you is killing me. Today is December 4th, exactly 30 days from the due date the doctors gave us for you. I really hope you come before then. Maybe right after Christmas but before New Years. Of course that I will wait until you are ready to make your debut. 4 more full week won't kill me, but it will have me anxious :) I want to hold you, kiss you, snuggle you, and most importantly see you. I love feeling you kick and move around like you're dancing bachata or even salsa. I love knowing that you are growing healthy and on track.

Today I had an ultrasound where they said that your weight is 5lbs 15 oz. kind of freaked me out a bit since they are predicting you to be about 8ish lbs or very close to it. I want to try and have a natural birth but living in me the last nine months you've probably realized I'm a punk and can't tolerate pain that well.

The last few days I've been working on your room. Setting everything up for your arrival. It's pretty much all done I just need to hang some frames with colorful prints. I hope you like it just as much as I do. Your brother loves it! I'm sure he'll be camping on the floor once you arrive lol. He's been getting used to the idea of having you around a lot more lately. You guys will be best buds. Of that I am sure. 

Mommy loves you baby boy. Sweet dreams and let the countdown begin!