37 Weeks

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.

Hospital Bag

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

36 Weeks

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

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 :)

Confessions Wednesday

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!

Dear Baby

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!

Our Home - First Level

This post is way over due. So here it is. Our home sweet home.

As you may recall we were blessed with this house out of the blue. It was certainly not what we had in mind at all but definitely a starter home. Which soon we came to realize that the best way to someday buy our dream home is to start off at a starter home and give priorities on those things we really need/want vs those that are not much needed but we want it anyways because it has to be in our dream house. You get me?

We've have put a good amount of money into this house and although you can't really see it, because those such things are things like a new water heater, recarpeting and flooring, changing from oil to electric, lots of painting, new shower, insulation, and changing the electric box. Still there are many more projects to complete such as replacement of all windows, painting the exterior part of the house, changing our backyard fence and fixing up the yard, along with either redoing the kitchen and/or finishing if not all at least part of the basement. More on that on another post. Hopefully all these things will get done within the next year so that we can truly enjoy our home before we move to that "dream house". With the exception of the kitchen and basement of course.

Ok so enough rambling lets give you a tour shall we. Like the tittle states it this will only be the first level. There are three levels to this house so they will be broken up for simplicity. The first floor consists of a front porch, living room, dinning room, kitchen, small back area, backyard, and rear parking. I've had most of these pictures since late September just didn't get the chance to upload them until now.

Front of the house

Part of the front porch

Entry way. I'm looking for a nice console table for this spot and can't find nothing I like :(

View into the living room from the entry way

Wall opposite from the TV

View from dinning room

Dinning room view from kitchen

Here I'm standing in front, or you could say behind, of the sofa

Close up of kitchen cabinets, etc. Some major updates will be happening here next year.

Another view of the kitchen. I don't know what to do in this area. I don't want to add another table since It's so close to the dinning room. So it'll be spacious for a while longer.

That kitchen door leads to a small room where we keep the dog when we're not home and after that another door that leads to the backyard.


Back yard lol. It doesn't look like this anymore I promise. Grass was cut and small fence taken apart. I just don't have a current picture of it. We plan to do big changes here for next summer :) I'm excited!

Behind the fence there is enough space to park a car. You could probably fit two but it'll get too tight.

xoxo
Pamela

34 Weeks

Photo Thoughts: I'm loving how well rounded and perfect my belly is looking. I don't know I may be biased but I'm feeling really darn sexy hahaha.

Weight Gain/Loss: +21 no change this week. I had a stomach virus and I actually lost a few ounces.

Cravings: I'm back to craving sweets. Omg how much I love sweets. Candy, dessert, whatever. Name it and I want it. Those airheads, OMG how good are they! Rice crispies, don't even get me started.

What I love: I love how in love I am with the idea of getting to hold my sweet baby soon. I just love him so much and feel so close to him. Like he's been the only person that has really been there for me/with me these last 8+ months. We had a bumpy road but together we've made it this far and I am very proud of us.

What I'm looking forward to: holding my baby boy and staring at him for endless amount of hours. I know this one is def going to be a mommas boy. Or so I hope :) something else I'm looking forward to is finishing the nursery, washing and folding tiny baby clothes, getting my starter stash of cloth diapers!!! Eekkkk I'm so excited for that! I should have them early next week for sure :)

Worries: I'm not really worried this week. I've been seeing my OB twice a week lately with a weekly ultrasound and stress test and everything looks perfect. My fluid is normal now. It was actually at 20 this week but that's not consider low since your fluid amount is suppose to decrease as you get closer to D date. Baby is officially head down and shouldn't be switching positions at all, but you never know!, and I'm feeling pretty great. Exhausted and out of breath but ok nonetheless.

Symptoms: fatigue, tiredness, really bad back pain and worse of all swollen! *gasp* I'm officially retaining water :( my rings are so tight on me I can barely take them off. I don't want to admit it because I still have a little over a month to go but sadly I'll be taking them off within the next week or so. We wouldn't want them to be cut off at all now right.

Sleep: Surprisingly pretty darn good. I can sleep through the night, take naps and actually stay asleep. And when I wake up I feel we'll rested. That's def a BIG plus! I owe it all to my decrease in work hours. I really think cutting down has made a difference.

Movement: nothing new here. AJ has been moving non-stop lately and I can finally tell what part of his body kicks me (most times at least).

The Belly: Perfect! I love it. 34 weeks is officially my favorite week :)

Milestones: baby is about 17.7 in long and weighs as much as a average size cantaloupe (4.7 lbs). This week baby should be positioning himself further into my pelvis. I really haven't noticed anything weird belly wise nor do I feel different so I don't think baby has drop just yet. The liver is not quite ready yet but it has been accumulating waste. The lungs and central nervous system continue to mature and baby skin has probably lost all the lanugo hairs and is now filling up with fat making it super smooth and round. This should help baby regulate his temperature after birth.

Best moment of the week: getting our maternity pictures! These guys did such an amazing job, I felt like a supermodel. Now to get started on those Christmas cards :)

xoxo
Pamela

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I am thankful for being able to host my very first Thanksgiving in our new home and to be able to see both of my family together in the same house. That brought a lot of joy to me.

There are many things that are not the way I want them to be but one thing I can say is that I am thankful for being alive and healthy, surrounded by amazing friends and family. I am thankful for my ability as a woman to carry and birth another human. There's so much I am thankful for and so many things we often take for granted. Like being able to walk or even blink. Yes weird I know but working at the hospital I've come to see many things a little child can't do, something as simple as blinking yet she has a beating heart and working brain. Why do things like this happen to innocent people? I say it's because in one way or another we as human sinners need to be reminded of the miracle of life and the things we need to appreciate and thank god for.

So, among many of the amazing things happening in my life I am simply thankful for being alive and having a functional body.

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful day with loved ones.

xoxo

33 Weeks

Photo Thoughts: I sayI look bigger this week due to the Thanksgiving dinner I had today jejeje

Weight Gain/Loss: +21 not too bad I suppose. With 7 weeks to go and 25-30lb weight mark I think I'm doing pretty darn good. Especially after the rough beginning.

Cravings: Pork. After the baby shower my taste buds were left wanting more. I want pork. I need pork! There's no choice I'm going to have to make a pork shoulder for thanksgiving.

What I love: how things are coming along perfectly with the nursery. I'm behind of course, I think most mommas are done with the nursery at this point, but due to some set back in moving our PC table to the third floor I'm not able to put everything where it belongs in there. Everything is however built it just needs to be out on its permanent spot.

What I'm looking forward to: Attending our breastfeeding class next Tuesday. Since I plan to breastfeed exclusively for at least the first year I can't wait to go to this class and see what I can learn to help me achieve my goal.

Worries: I'm actually not that worry this week. For this weeks' ultrasound they found my fluid still elevated but lower than last week. It was at 28 (needs to be at 25 was at 30 last week). Actually, I was a bit worried this past weekend. I thought I had a decrease in fetal movement for a little over 24 hours, as to previous posts we all know this baby moves a lot, so I was getting worried. I spoke with the hubby as to if I should call the doctor and he told me that I was worrying for nothing. To give it a little more time. I tried eating and laying on my left side, drinking really cold water, eating sweets, etc and nothing. My belly also felt very tender and like I couldn't feel the baby anywhere. Then in a couple of hours he returned to his normal spot and normal self. This made me feel a lot better. Maybe I didn't feel him because he was way back in my belly. Still not a fun feeling at all. :(

Symptoms: tired. I'm so tired. All the time. I can hardly stay up at work or focus on my school work. But I need to remind myself that it is almost over. About 4 weeks to go for the semester to end so I need to get through it.

Sleep: Still ok. I wish I could sleep for longer periods but at least I'm getting some sleep and have been trying to nap in between. That had help a bit.

Movement: baby boy is back to normal with his movements. That makes me happy again :)

The Belly: is very hard, round, cute, and a decent size too. Can't really complain much.

Milestones: baby is still weighing in at a little over 4lbs and is filling up with baby fat. His bones are hardening but will not be fusing together like they should until early adulthood. This will make for an easier delivery and will allow the bones to grow normally in the years to come. It was made known to me that baby's movements will slow down a bit in the coming weeks and that is totally normal as long as I still feel movement. I can tell this is going to be hard to accept for me.

Best moment of the week: finding out baby is head down. A couple of weeks ago he was in a transverse position and I was worried but he made it to the right position. I hope he stays that way for god sakes, and my own.


xoxo
Pamela

32 Weeks

A bit late but what else is new.

Photo Thoughts: first off the the heck is a jicama? Since I had no idea nor where to buy it (I would of probably had some luck going to the market) I had to settle using a picture from google. Boo!

Weight Gain/Loss: +19 that's 4lbs in almost 2 weeks. Umm not cool Pammy. Easy it down will you.

Cravings: this weeks craving have been more subtle. Just ice and water. I could eat ice all day long if it would make me take a kazillion trip to the ladies room. *sighs*

What I love: getting closer and closer to meeting my sweet boy.

What I'm looking forward to: hosting my first Thanksgiving. Will you look at that! A non baby event to look forward to ;) lol

Worries: the closer we get the D day the more worries that come our way. On this appt I was diagnosed with too much amniotic fluid, technical term polyhydramnos. The normal amount of fluids I should have right now is 25 and I'm measuring at 30. The doctor says is not too bad but they need to be cautious and keep an eye on it which now requires weekly ultrasounds. Awesome! (Being sarcastic of course) like if I don't have better things to do than visit my docs office 2x a week. This info also brought more stressed to my life. Just thinking of all the possibilities if why this could be happening and the not knowing why this is happening had me over the ledge this week. :(

Symptoms: low energy level. This anemia thing is really getting to me. I'm so tired. All.The.Time! I just wish I could sleep and sleep some more. I also move so much slower nowadays and I get cranky easier/faster too.

Sleep: ok for now. I could def be using more of it but what can you do. I'm just taking it a day at a time and looking forward 8 days off in the next week which will be mostly spent by myself since DS will be going to work with DH a lot. I could really use time off right now.

Movement: still plenty. Nothing to be concerned about in that department :)
The Belly: judge for your self, what do you think? I could def see those extra pounds in there. Can you?

Milestones: AJ is measuring right on track weighing 4lbs 2oz and over 17in long. The lungs have recently matured and the immune system keeps getting stronger. If he was to be born now he would have a 90% chance at survival. How awesome! Although I would prefer he stayed in there a bit longer. You know. To bring that 90 to 100 :) he's starting to shed the layer of lanugo hair and his real hair and skin will become softer in the coming weeks. By delivery he should be double his weight now, Holy Cow! So should I be expecting an 8+lb baby? Yikes!

Best moment of the week: the baby shower! It was Saturday the 10th and it was so much fun. We danced, are, played games, and spent some time with lovely people. It was everything I had hoped it would be and we ended up making out pretty good in the gifts department.

xoxo
Pamela

31 Weeks

These weekly posts have been getting somewhat boring for me. I don't know if its the repetitive questions, that I honestly have nothing exciting to say, the busy-ness of every day life, etc.

So I thought I'd change it up a bit for the weeks to follow and the last trimester. I'm going to start posting these updates either Fridays or Saturdays, the actual day I enter the week and change up the questions from time to time. Also I'm going to start doing fruit and belly comparison. I saw this on another blog and wished I had started it from the beginning. I think it's such a neat idea!

Photo thoughts: I love how it actually looks like there could be a baby that size inside of me. Probably all curled up of course but still beautiful.

Weight loss/gain: +15

Cravings: Omg Sweets! I am craving sweets like you have no idea. Just today I went to Walmart to order cupcakes for the baby shower next weekend and I swear I was about to drop on the floor and eat all those yummy frosting on every cake and cupcake they had for sale. I have never had a craving like I did today. I of course left without no cupcake but as I drove home and stood home all I wanted was to drive back and buy some. I tried to be good and not give in to my cravings especially if they're sweets so I settled for an airhead candy. And boy did it taste good, whoa! And lemonade. Oh my darling lemonade how much I want you.

What I love: I love that I am getting closer and closer to D-day. January 4th seems so far away and so does 9 weeks but when you think about it there's so much happening and so much I'm looking forward to like the baby shower, thanksgiving, breastfeeding class, childbirth class, end of school semester, Christmas, New Years, and BOOM! D-day. See what I mean. Before I know it baby boy will be here and ill be snuggling in my warm bed with my three favorite boys. Or at least two since we only have a Queen and DH will have to settle for the floor or couch jejeje...

What I'm looking forward to the most: going part time. My official date is Nov. 9th and then I'll only work 2 days a week and/or any extras I may want. I think I'm going to take it easy the rest of the month and work on the nursery, organizing, spending time with my son, ect. I just want to slow down and start prepping for this baby. I feel so behind with only 9 weeks to go.

Worries: in my last visit my doctor told me that I was measuring small. About 2-3 weeks smaller actually. With that he wanted to take precaution and instead of seeing me once every other week he wants me to come in twice a week one for a growth/stress ultrasound and the other for my weekly checks. It has me somewhat worried but I know that this is only precaution that they are taking and at my last growth ultrasound everything looked normal. With my first son at about 36 weeks they told me I was measuring small and again I had to go in twice a week every week and at birth big boy weight was 7lbs 6oz and 21 in. There was nothing small about him now was there. I think that my belly is all baby but they expect it to be bigger because they think that babies need some sort of space in there. I guess in my situation my belly stretches as far as he needs to to accommodate baby not an inch more not an inch less. Or so I'm hoping. However if you was to feel my belly now you would notice that you feel the baby in every part of it. That would also explain all the movements that I feel right? I'm just keeping a positive outlook. I could be wrong but after going through this with my first born is hard not to have a little faith thinking that there's nothing to worry about.

Symptoms: again with the back pain. And not just lower back but my entire back including my neck. It is so uncomfortable. Sometimes I just want to curl up and cry. And does a weak bladder count? Because I seriously could live in a restroom for the rest of this pregnancy.

Sleep: this week it's been so so. I don't have a problem falling asleep, is more staying asleep. I wake up every 2-3 hours and only sometimes I can fall back to sleep. Most of the time I can't and all day I go by on a short amount of sleep which is not good because I then get cranky and feel exhausted.

Movement: baby boy is an athletic one. He moves so much. I'm sure you're getting tired of me saying that but seriously this is like the best part of being pregnant. Witnessing the little miracle growing inside of you through his movements. The way my belly wiggles, like jello. The sudden and hard kicks and punches that take me by surprise. The weird feeling of a position change. When hubby touches my belly he says "that must feel so weird inside you" and I say this is how a miracle feels to me. This is how my baby and I bond. Sometimes I wish he could really experience these movements. They are truly priceless.

The belly: the past week it's like the baby had a growth spurt. Omg is this thing big. To me at least. I walk down the hallways at work staring at myself on the big class windows and I look like a big balloon ready to pop. Even my co workers have noticed and tell me that now I really look pregnant lol.

Milestones: this week baby weighs 3lbs and is about 17in long. The skin is looking less transparent and more pinkish due to the fat that's filling it. Immune system has developed a lot the past weeks to get baby ready for the outside world. And most exciting milestone is that baby will be gaining about 1/2 lb per week for the next 7 weeks :) I love chunky babies although I hope a get a good size baby for an easier delivery ;)

Best moment of the week: has been preparing for the baby shower. I can't wait to dance my ass off! Yes I will be dancing pregnant and all. Is my nature, heck is in my blood.

xoxo
Pamela

Some changes are coming!

To the blog that is. With the family growing and all I thought it would be nice to change the picture on the header and change the look in total. For the next few months you'll be noticing different views or layouts until I find something I really like. Nothing will be finalized until baby AJ comes but I'm sure it'll take just that amount of time to come up with something I like and that will be permanent, for the time being that is.

I'm really excited to be able to be home more and spend the time with my boys and making our home feel more like our love nest. Lots of cooking and baking will be happening. As well as some more decorating. And get this. I'll finally have the time to blog it all :D don't get me wrong deep down I feel a bit worried about decreasing my work hours but somehow when I think of the benefits that'll come out of it I think it'll be totally worth it. I just have to remember to put god in the center of my mind and home because with him all things are possible!

xoxo
Pamela

29 & 30 Weeks

How far along? 29 & 30 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +13
Maternity clothes? Not really. My new best friends are yoga pants though. Omg are they comfortable. I should of bought this months ago. If only I could wear them to work.
Stretch marks? Nada
Sleep: Still blah. And there's too much going on this weekend for me to relax.
Best moment this week: Feeling AJ move around the clock. No lie, this kid is an active one. His peak time is from 7p to about 8a. The longest I've gone with movements is 30 mins then he goes at it again.
Have you told family and friends? Yes
Miss Anything? Sleeping on my back and tummy actually.
Have you started to show yet? Yes.
Movement: Lots and lots and I'm loving it. It's my reassurance that he's happy in his current home and safe.
Food cravings: Sweets. I just want sweets. Any kind. I sneak some from time to time but I know I should eat it so I try my best to stay away.
Anything making you queasy or sick: prenatals. We're so close to the end. I wish I could just take those darn pills! But I can't. Just the thought of burping it back up gets me nauseous.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: ouch my back :( this has been the worse pain yet. From neck all the way down. I want it to stop already!
Belly Button in or out? outie! :)
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody: happy and uncomfortable. The thought of having my baby boy in few short weeks is amazing but then the pain and uncomfortableness (is that a word?) I feel when he gets into my ribs is just plain torture.
Looking forward to: our baby shower in two weeks and seeing my baby again in a week. On my last appt the doctor said he was concern because I was measuring small so he wants me to go in twice a week every other week to keep an eye on things. This has me a bit worried but I'm sure things will be ok. I'm probably over analyzing the situation like always. I trust whatever plan god has for us.

xoxo
Pamela

Maternity Shoot Teasers

What a great start to my week. Yesterday we did a maternity shoot at our place with awesome photographers in our area. It took quite some time because I had lots of inspiration pictures from Pinterest and as awesome as they are they did them all for me. I felt so loved :)

I wake up this morning with tons of notifications on my iPhone from tags and comments on Facebook. So I log in and what do I see? 5 teasers!!! I almost fell from my bed lol. That's how shock and happy I was. Talk about fast and customer satisfaction lol.

Ok enough talking. Here are the teasers they tagged me in. Enjoy!

xoxo
Pamela

Past Halloween Costumes

I've been pretty unsteady when it comes to posting holidays posts this year. Hopefully with all the time on my hands I'll have starting next month it'll get much better. For now let's reminisce on past Halloween outfits.

What brought the walk down memory lane? Well for starters looking for something to wear this weekend (which btw I found the cutest thing!) Then going through my Facebook pictures and seeing my baby boy's outfits through the years. 2010 was my favorite :). That outfit really inspired me to try my hands at making his costumes every year from now on until, well you know, he tells me to stop. Unfortunately last year we didn't do anything for Halloween, his choice. We did use his Superman costume from before though and took him to Dorney Park for their hallo-weekends activities etc. And this year I've been lazy, more on this year outfits later. Next year though should be fun with a new kid on the block ;)

So lets take a look shall we.

Halloween 2007 

Halloween 2008

Halloween 2009

 

2009: He was Spiderman and Batman lol

Halloween 2010

 

2010

Halloween 2011

2011

2012 costumes will be coming soon! :)

xoxo

Pamela

DIY: Our Family Map

Earlier this year I talked about some DIY projects I wanted to do and this one is one of them. 

I saw this a lot on the web after we got married and I couldn't wait to get started one it. They call it the "Newlywed Map" but I use it as a family map and use different color tacks to differentiate between couple trips and family trips. 

I used directions given here but here is a quick reference to the supply list.

- 36″x 24″ world map (executive version) from Mapcenter.com = $12.99
- 1 box medium map tacks (black, white) from Mapcenter.com = $4.79 each
- 36″x 24″ piece of foam core = $7.50 (with 50% off coupon at Michaels)
- 36″x 24″ black frame, glass removed = $59.99 (I used a 50% coupon from Michaels so $29.99)
- Elmer’s spray adhesive = $3 (with 40% off coupon at Michaels)

I did this months ago but didn't put it in a frame until a few weeks ago and if you notice some parts of the map is raised. I have no idea why this happened. I'm assuming because maybe I didn't use enough adhesive but I honestly I have no idea. I tried to fix it but it wasn't working out so I let it go. It doesn't look bad hanged on the wall so whatever.

 I also bought this wall decal from Amazon and put it right on top of the frame. 

I still have some tacks to add to it from past travels but they are mostly from places in the States. Only Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico are places we've traveled to in the Caribbean etc and I hope that starts to change soon :).