Isaac is 3 Months

Big boy holding his head up

Monday of this week marked Isaac's 3 months of life. To say that this is an adventure would be the understatement of the year! The beginning of this journey after his birth was rocky and postpartum was more than I had ever thought it would be. However now at the 3 months mark I feel like I have earned some patches for my 'Mommyhood Belt'. I don't think that there will ever be a point that I have it all figured out, and I have also come to realize that there will never be an 'easy' stage of his life. There is something that I am always learning and Isaac and I are still figuring out how to best work for 'Team Tostado' as I like to put it. My advice would not be to lower your expectations of motherhood but to make it a combination of being open to change and a willingness to be molded. This time last year Isaac was being knit into my tummy and I was yet to know that I was pregnant. Yet, should you asked me what kind of parent I want to be and how I would be letting my baby sleep it would be completely different from the reality of what it is today. 

The shirt says it all...he's sooo handsome

 Team Tostado is building a family! It is an amazing feeling to know that this is the start of our family. This is something that I have dreamed about and prayed for many years. It is crazy to see Isaac's little face and know that he came from both Eddie and I.Having your our child truly changes you, and you have to be a parent to really understand. I thought that I knew how much I would love and care for my child but it was a million times underestimated. In complete honesty the love that I feel has grown with each day from knowing that I was pregnant, to seeing him and hearing for the first time, to the first time I held him.

Catchin' flys...love those lips

 Celebrating our first big holiday Thanksgiving was perfect. Isaac loves being around family and will prove himself to be quite the party animal in years to come. Often it seems as if he does not want to miss a beat. When he was in my tummy he had a personality but I love getting to know him more as a little person and seeing that personality grow and grow. Isaac is also such a happy baby. Every morning he wakes up with a smile on his face. To know and see that joy it is just contagious, you can't help but be all smiles when you see that face. Of course every parent thinks that their child is a genius or advanced and I must say that Eddie and I are also in that boat. Isaac is already holding his head up in a sitting position by himself for minutes at a time. He can also bear his weight on his legs, jumping on our laps is great fun for him. And he is also looking as if he is ready to start solids by the time that he is 4 months...it is so funny that when reading all these accomplishments. Some people..ok well I'm sure most are not nearly as impressed as Team Tostado is with them but this is the joy of being a parent. Your kiddo could be having a big poop and you're cheering them on to the big finish!

Always all smiles after the bath

3 months is truly marking a great milestone in all of our lives. We have made it to through 1/4th of Isaac's first year. Like my pregnancy posts I would like to finish off these post in the same way in listing what we are looking forward to. Although I cannot commit to writing what will happen week by week, I would like to say that I will TRY to do a month by month but...we shall see!

What we are looking forward to: Decorating the house for Christmas, Family and Friends Christmas parties, Isaac's first Christmas,  meeting Isaac's buddy Bella and spending time with her Momma, and Isaac's 4 month check up.

Welcoming Isaac Edward Keli'i Tostado

Our first family picture

What an adventure this has been over the last 10 months. I can remember the feeling that I had the moment I saw the positive pregnancy test on Dec 16th last year. I am more than proud to officially announce on this blog that Isaac is here. As many of you know or may have read on my previous post Isaac did not make an early appearance into the world as the Dr's and I had thought. I guess my "mother's intuition" was way off on this one. For weeks I was having contractions and signs that labor was right around the corner. So much so that when the time really came I was not even sure that it was really here. I had pretty much given up the hope that I would start labor naturally and was looking forward to my scheduled induction set for Tuesday August 30th. However, like usually my little man had plans of his own, and made his intro into this world at 11:27pm on August 29th!

1 day old my little skinny mini

I had started this post just a few days after Isaac's 1 month, but now that he is 7 1/2 weeks I am actually getting around to trying to finish it....These past weeks have at times been a complete blur. I have seen my precious little one go from being minutes old to now almost 2 months, and each day we are learning new things. In all honesty the first few weeks were really hard. Much harder than I could have ever anticipated. I had thought that I had prepared myself for what was to come and I couldn't have been more wrong. The birth plan going completely out the window was just the tip of the iceberg. It was my very first lesson that what you plan on happening is not realistic. The very last thing that I wanted was a cesarean delivery and that is what happened. When they told me that I was our only option I was completely devastated. It sounds really horrible but I had to snap out of it quick because I knew once I came out of the operating room I was going to be Isaac's Mommy. As I lay there on the table waiting for him to come out there was so much chatter in my head, but I really had to cling to the children's song "This is the day". The lyrics are simple, "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!". Here I was about to meet Isaac I could not feel any self-pitty I need to see God through all of it.

Hearing Issac's first cry was like music to my ears, he was okay and was here. Of course tears feel from my eyes. Although the moment was nothing like I had imagined it was here and the reality was we were now officially a family of three. It was hard to let Eddie and Isaac go as they went to the labor room while I just lay there and let them finish getting me all put back together. What I have come to realize now is that many people have c-sections, but they really don't talk about it. I had absolutely no idea what I was in for. The hardest part of it all was the wait to hold Isaac. Even after I was in the labor room I had to wait even longer to hold Isaac due to all the fluids in my body making me shake like a crack addict! The nurse kept asking if I was ready and I just had to keep my composure and say, "No, I'd like to not be shaking so much when I hold him so that I don't drop him." Not to mention that due to the drugs I still could not feel my lower half. I was NOT prepared for the surgery at all. The remaining days in the hospital where really rough, adjusting to motherhood along with recovering from the c-section seemed like an impossibility at times.

 Ok...and I am back now at 8 weeks old trying to finish this post...I had done all the reading about baby blues and postpartum, but like hoping that I would never have to deal with the c-section I felt the same about postpartum. To say that I was a ball of emotions would be an understatement. I was doing all that I could to put on that brave face and say that all was fine, but on the second day in the hospital it seemed like it was all coming down and falling a part. Isaac came down with a fever, the time he was nursing was going down, and he was loosing too much weight. They had me start supplementing him with formula which was another upsetting thing for me. I was dead set on breast feeding and to have to supplement him hit me hard. All of this was overwhelming for me as a new mother. I felt as if I was completely alone, which is really funny because I had Eddie there with me and my family and friends visiting me. I really started to doubt my abilities as a mother, and started thinking what in the world did I get myself into. Then I started feeling worse because I felt that I shouldn't be having these feelings. What got me through all the postpartum was my relationship with God. Being able to talk to him in prayer minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day. Being a parent is wonderful and I couldn't imagine not having Isaac in our lives for one second! However I know it is something that I could not and wouldn't want to do with out the Lord in my life. I have been using the devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. It is AMAZING!! From the first day that I picked it up it is as if each devotional has been written specifically to me on that day as something that God wants to share with me. Stacey Wood shared a message last Mother's Day and to sum it up with one statement "Children are not for our happiness but for our holiness". Each day I am learning more and more about this. There are several happy moments of Motherhood, but they are also paired with moments of self doubt, anger, resentment, fear, and unhappiness. Knowing that God is shaping my character gives me so much peace. I see more and also understand that there is a purpose behind all the not so glamorous side of parenting.

My model baby @ 1month old

Isaac has grown and changed so much in these past eight weeks. I was looking at pictures of him from the hospital yesterday and almost can't remember what it was like when he was that small. He has gone from being my little skinny mini at 6lbs 9oz, to 11lbs! He is now making cooing and squeaking noises to use his voice and talk to us. He found his hands last week but he doesn't know that they are really his yet, he just knows that he can seem them and suck on his hand. His little legs are also not so little anymore, he likes to use then to kick up a storm. We have a kick and play bouncer that he loves to play in and it a such a joy to have see his little face light up when he sees the little lights go off. We are slowly working our way into a routine of sorts. Because he is just 8 weeks, I am not writing anything on the calendar because I know that it could all change tomorrow. But, I am counting my blessings that he is a healthy little one that is a good eater and a good sleeper. I am looking forward to the many adventures that there will be to come and whatever else Issac has in store for us to learn as first time parents. My goal is to also keep this blog updates more often so that one day I can show this to him and he can learn more about his Mom.

8 weeks @ Pumpkin Patch

The last 3 weeks 38,39 &40

So, originally my goal was to blog each of these week of my last trimester. It seems that with my maternity leave I didn't make the time to write about these last few weeks. Or to be completely honest at times I really didn't want to write about them. Not because of anything that was horribly wrong, but I have to admit as much as I prepared myself for a late or on time arrival near the due date I was really not prepared. At week 38 having more Braxton Hicks, Isaac dropping, and losing my mucus plug I was convinced he's be here between the 15th-20th of August! There had been several nights that the contractions would come and then after about 45mins they would just stop. Other times they would even keep me up for at least 2 hours!!

Well, then week 39 arrived. I was thinking ok this has got to be it. My body is prepped and Isaac is coming for sure. I went to my 39 week appointment got the great news that I was dilated to 2cm so she went ahead and stripped my membranes. My excitement level was high and very expectant that he would come any day! Week 39 was a rough one both physically and emotionally. The past week I developed carpal tunnel in my left hand the swelling is was at an all time high which made sleeping at night horrible. I felt so lucky when I would look at the clock and I had gotten a hour and a half of sleep. Emotionally I found myself slipping into the last thing that I had told myself would happen a small bout of depression. All along I was also convinced that, "I wouldn't hit me like that" or "I'm a tough one, I can handle it" it was and did happen to me. It wasn't like an all day depression or an immobilizing depression more of a sadness and fear that something is wrong with me or Isaac. Emotionally I was just tired, I got some really great advice talking to my sister Janelle. She said that instead of internalizing all that was going on and just taking it a day at a time, use this time to draw closer to God. Finding peace in His word has been beyond calming and helpful in the last week. I have known God's presence and blessing through out this pregnancy God reminded me that He is in control and that His timing is perfect. Because I have not had Isaac yet I will be receiving the entire 4 weeks of my maternity disability ($700+)  God is good he will provide this is money that we as a family do need. I have had more time to connect with my husband before we are a family of 3 God again knowing this is time that is necessary for our marriage, and I have had more to myself than I have had in years time to spend with him to refresh and renew spiritually before Isaac's arrival!  

Now here we are at week 40, and today is the estimated due date...still no Isaac. But I am really perfectly fine with that. I did have a great visit to the Dr.'s today. Isaac has a healthy and strong heartbeat 140bpm, he is estimated to be about 8lbs! I even got to see another sneak peak of our little guy, or now I actually started referring to him a our little cubb-a-roo. His head is still big, and she pointed out his back and legs and of course my eyes got teary. Looking back over this journey I remember when he was our little Toasty Bun just the size of a kidney bean. The amniotic fluid is not a high as they would like, I am headed back into the office on Monday for a stress test, but if all is well and he still holds out I will be induced on Tuesday night. Although induction is not my first choice at all, I know that God has it under control.

36 & 37 Weeks

37 weeks and yes...that is a moo-moo

 It is a very odd feeling to truly be in the last weeks of our pregnancy! I know that I have commented before that the weeks have flown by here at the end, but to know that we have less than a month to our EDD it is really crazy! Isaac is progressing on schedule and is even measuring a week ahead of the due date. During our visit to the Dr's 2 weeks ago a direct quote from the Dr was , "whoa Momma that is a BIG head!". Which makes it clear that he has my head and not his Daddy's..LOL!! He is still a busy boy in my tummy but things are more cramped then ever in there. That is why when he dropped last week is was a big relief. At first  was really not sure that he had dropped but then not only by the look of my belly I could for the first time in months take a deeper breath. The biggest bonus of him dropping has to be the relief of no more heart burn!

These past couple of weeks have been pretty busy...and I missed my usual post but now that I am on MATERNITY leave :) I have have more time on my hands. It is a great feeling to wake up in the morning and not have to go to work but know that I can just focus on being pregnant. Maternity leave this early was not my plan but that is what my Dr feels is best for me, so who am I to argue with Dr.'s orders. I am now just getting the finishing touches on the remaining baby stuff, I have now moved on to getting the final things ready for me.  This has been my first week of maternity leave and I am loving it...but of course anxiously awaiting the arrival of Mr. Isaac.

When you imagine yourself pregnant I don't think you could ever fully prepare yourself for what lies ahead. I remember laughing with my sisters on several occasion say "I'd never wear a moo-moo!" well folks the day has come, and I am not at all embarrassed to floss the moo-moo. Now to clarify I did not go out to the store to buy one, and it's not something that I would wear out in public (yet) but it is something that will most likely be worn daily until Isaac's arrival. This particular moo-moo holds a special place in my heart. It was made for my Mom when she was pregnant with me by my Grandma. When putting it on looking at the stitching got me all choked up. I lost my Grams when I was 16 and as a young girl always imagined her there with me through all theses big transitions in my life. To have a piece of her near me warms my heart and today just reminded me of how much I miss her. So, wearing this moo-moo is not only comfort to my body but comfort to my soul. 

This to look forward to this week: My 29th birthday! A weekly Dr's appointment, and baby watch.

35 weeks

Hello 35 weeks, you would think that not so much could change in only a matter of a week but they definitely can. I need to start getting use to this because I'm sure any parent can attest to that having little ones can be a not only a week by week change but daily or even hourly changes. When I went into see my Dr. last Friday for my regular check up. Overall it went very well, however she did surprise me and shake things up a bit by letting me know that she would like me out on maternity leave by the end of the month. There is no medical emergency why she would like to take me out, but she just feels that it would be best for my continued health as well as prepping for baby Isaac's arrival. It is not like a have a stressful job and I am already down to 30hrs per week, but I am listening to whatever the Dr. says. I guess you could say that the news is somewhat bittersweet. Bittersweet in that I was planning to work up until a week before my estimated due date, but I am flexible and maybe if this little guy comes earlier than expected this will work out for me. I have really been trying not to stress about all that needs to get done..even saying 'stress' is taking it a bit far. I am just the type of person that likes to be prepared and have everything ready ahead of time. That is why I feel that taking off a bit earlier than I had planned would be just what I need.

On Saturday my Sister's and Mom hosted a baby shower for me! It was awesome, it was a wonderful time to relax and enjoy the company of my family and friends. A shower sounds like a corny word, but it is really how you feel. You feel completely showered with love, just unpacking all the gifts and setting stuff up Eddie and I counted our many many blessings on how much support and love we have received from our family and friends. I do have to admit getting all of Isaac stuff ready is fun! At times it has proved to make me pretty tired but overall I have been having lot and lots of fun preparing for our little guy.

More baby Isaac news, they say that it is hard to really be sure or know..but I 95% sure that my little guy has "dropped". When the Dr. measured me she mentioned that I was measuring a little small, but that could mean that he is tilted in there or that he had begun to drop. Well, a couple of days after that when looking at my big ol' belly it looked a bit lower. There is definitely a lighter feeling in my belly and my heartburn had subsided. And according to my Baby Center info those are two key factors. This doesn't have me thinking that he is coming right away or anything, there was also the added disclaimer that babies can drop weeks before they are due.

Things to look forward to this week: Another Dr's appointment on Monday, possibly my last week of work before maternity leave, more reading on labor and breastfeeding.

34 weeks, it's the final count down

Hooray for 34 weeks! This is a week that I have very much been anticipating and looking forward to. Why? Because I can officially say a big GOOD-BYE to preterm labor. Now should our little man decide to make and earlier than expected arrival his has developed enough to be taken out of the 'high risk' or preterm zone. That just sounds so very very great to say, in everything letting go of my anxiety about this has been a constant test of my faith. I 100% trust that God is the one in control and when these insecurities start to penetrate I have to choose with everything that is in me to press stop. It really has been a constant battle that at times I have questioned giving up and giving in...but when I talk to God about it I again and again feel an overwhelming peace. God is constantly reminding me of his grace in that way. Now with all this talk about the potential about Isaac arriving early I am reminded of a prefect saying that my Mom told me when we were trying to conceive, "God's timing is prefect. He is never late and he is never early, he is ALWAYS on time".  This brings me back to knowing that there is definitely the potential of Isaac holding out until 41 weeks! I don't want to focus solely on the fact that his arrival may be early, I also want to keep in mind that he might decide that he is comfortable where he is for another 7 weeks or so. But overall....I just come back to know that what I think is early or late is irrelevant, God will have him come right on time.

I had a little chuckle this morning when reading the 34 weeks email from Baby Center. They like to compare the size of baby to fruit and veggies. This week he is the size of cantaloupe, for those that know me well you know how much I love my cantaloupe so this just made me chuckle to think of Isaac as a cantaloupe! I am enjoying this final count down in weeks. Even though there I am feeling like a rotisserie chicken turning during the night coupled with the constant bathroom visited (sometimes almost hourly..tmi) I still have energy and the swelling is really not bad at all. I am dare I say it...enjoying pregnancy. I would not be one so bold to say that I am loving pregnancy because that would make me a liar, but I have really enjoyed the 2nd and even much more so the 3rd trimester. Now coming into the final countdown as I like to refer to it I am just excited and happy for all that is to come, and feeling very blessed that I have had no major complications thus far. Labor is still on my mind pretty much everyday in one way or another. As well as I have to keep reminding myself to slow down...not literally like walking slow or driving slow, more like not trying to be so active and on the go.

Something different at the Tostado home this week is that Eddie is away at a conference...in Vegas!! A part of me was a bit worried with the "what if I go into labor" while his is gone but on the other hand I am really glad that he gets to get away and have some more down time before Isaac's arrival. He is only going to be gone for a couple of days but we sure do miss him already. Being at home alone has its perks of course and I am staying busy getting Issac stuff in order. I just got the stroller and baby carrier out of the box and put together and it is awesome. We got the Chicco KeyFit 30. After checking and comparing around I finally decided on this stroller and without Isaac here to test it out I am already very impressed. It has all the features that I wanted and probably some more that I will find and I can't wait to start using it. A BIG thanks to my wonderful sis-in-law Melissa and my Mother-in-law for getting it for us :)

Things to look forward to this week: Eddie (Daddy) coming home, over the weekend my Mom and sister's are hosting a baby shower for us! I am super super excited and can't wait. I know that it is going to be lots of fun mixed with great company, and a visit to the Dr to check on Isaac's progress....stay tuned!!

33 Weeks and Daddy is turning 33

Week 33 has arrived! With it being summer we are sure staying busy all the way around. What a blessing it has been to have so much time with friends and family. We celebrated with a baby shower hosted by the Tostado's, 4th of July BBQ at the Cornelio's, and a trip to the county fair. Not that once Isaac is here we will become hermits that never go out, but I know we have been taking full advantage of spending time out while Isaac is still safely cooking in the oven. With Isaac's arrival is getting closer and closer and I am more than elated to report that our health has continued to remain stable and the only contractions that I have been feeling are random Braxton Hicks. It is going to be Eddie 33rd birthday this Saturday, and we are celebrating 33 week as well...it just seems so fitting.

The shower hosted by the Tostado family was perfect in many ways. It was such a great time to get all the family together to just relax and enjoy food, drinks, and great company. We even got the wonderful surprise of Eddie's oldest sister and brother that came all the way from SoCal! Family means so much to us both and it is was great to see our families together and what Isaac will one day be a part of. What was a small shower turned into a all day/night party!

Yummy Cake!! From Vienna Bakery

Daddy, Cousin Belley, & Mommy 

The 4th of July has always shared a special place in both our hearts. This year marked the 8 year anniversary of when we met. Of course I am sure that being pregnant my emotions are running more fluidly (aka I get 'choked' up easy) but, I can't help but think back on all that we have been through together in these years and it just makes me get teary to know that we are just at the begging of starting our own little family. Eddie is truly my best friend, and more that I could of ever dreamed for in a husband in many ways. Now that we have an official anniversary (our wedding day) we still acknowledge our special day but we don't exchange gifts or do a fancy dinner we just like to enjoying the day and spending time together.

Last night Isaac and I went out to the fair with my parents, Belle, and AJ. This was another one of those take advantage of Issac being in the oven. I have not been pushing myself to do all these things but I have the energy and I am not on bed rest so I feel that I want to do these things. Making memories with AJ and Belle has been something that has always been really important to me. Seeing how much they have grown over the years just shows me how fast the time does fly with kids. They had a blast, and of course Papa spoiled them the entire night. It was fun to do the kid things at the fair with them, they got to see the show rabbits, model trains,  and cowboy stations. We then enjoyed some Izzy's BBQ and had squeezed lemonade and headed on over to the kids rides. Their little faces just beamed with excitement from the lights and carnival noises.

Riding in the pasture

Belley milking the cow

AJ the farmer

Enjoying the kids rides

 Family is something that is precious and means so much to both Eddie and I. This past week spending so much time with our families has really taught me many things. I thank God that we are blessed to have both our parents in our lives, our bothers and sister to learn from, and our little nieces and nephews that continue to grow and amaze us every time we get together. All I can say is that Isaac is going one lucky kiddo. He had so many people just waiting for his arrival, and can't wait to welcome him into our lives.

Things to look forward to this week: It is going to be Eddie 33rd birthday this Saturday, and we are celebrating 33 week as well...it just seems so fitting. Getting all the baby clothes washed and organized, and a baby shower for our friends the Angulo's.

32 Week is here

32 weeks has arrived! The weeks are yet again flying by. This is a flash back to when we were getting married, the first portion of all the planning dragged but as we neared the date time seemed to just pick up week after week. Isaac has been moving more than ever, I think he is getting a bit cramped in there. That is a scary comment to make because from here on out he is going to be adding on the pounds week after week. Many nights on the couch Eddie and I are both shocked by how strong he is and how much he likes to move. The movement is a great thing and means that he is healthy so really no complaints from me.

I am proud to say that we are still making progress on the nursery and baby proofing of the home. We still have quite a few projects to complete but squeezing our little man into our small condo is really working out great. The hardest part of all the reorganizing and moving around has been letting go of stuff. It is no big surprise to me that Eddie and I are having a hard time letting things go considering we both come from families that save everything!! It truly has put us to the test parting ways with the big things and the small things, however Issac's arrival has made it somewhat easier. Easier in the sense that it is a must do and not something that we can just save for a later time. Fitting a baby into our small space has been an experience, after all we are adding another human being to our living space. My motto in all of this has been if I haven't used it recently its time to let it go. Eddie's motto, I'll make room for it to fit somewhere...yes in the short time that we have been married I have well learned the lesson: "Pick your battles". This is a battle that I just have to let go of...because I trust my hubby and he always will find some room somewhere!

Another accomplishment this week was that we finished our birthing classes at Kaiser. I really do feel that the 4 classes gave us much needed information and have better prepared us for the journey that lies ahead. Our instructor Donna was awesome, and I am really going to miss being able to ask her my weekly questions but overall I feel that she did a wonderful job preparing us for labor. Before taking that class my main goal was to begin to nail down my birthing plan and that is accomplished. I brought my birthing plan to her to get the input of a 25 year L&D R.N. and she looked it over and said, this looks perfect! But before we all left she was quick to remind us that our bodies know what to do and we CAN DO IT! Yet, to keep in mind will all the planning etc. things can get unpredictable in labor and our birthing plans may just go right out the window. That is the perspective that I am keeping, even with my in control attitude that can develop. I can do this...and it's going to happen.

Some may call me crazy and say that I don't know what I am in for and that I will begging for an epidural but as of right now in my birthing plan it is to delivery without the epidural. Before taking the classes Eddie was one of those people that just thought I was crazy and that I couldn't do it...but after taking this class he has more confidence in me than ever and that is another large factor in my decision. Of course there is also the medical benefits to a natural birth that have also helped in making this decision and that is what I looked at first before really considering what I wanted. I wanted to consider what is best for Isaac, and what will make the labor progress as best a possible. Also, to be clear I am not just saying no epidural to be a heroic brave woman that wants to experience as much pain as possible. The decision was made after more reading, video watching, and talking with our instructor I feel that no epidural will suit me and my labor best. That is something that I loved about Donna's she kept saying, "This is YOUR labor not anyone else's!". However, will all that being said I would also like to mention that I have somewhat of a disclaimer to the birthing plan. It simply states in bold underlines writing: I plan to use the epidural as a last resort but, OVERALL give me whatever I ask for at the time.  I do also know that at certain times there may be no turning back, it may be to late for them to give it to me when I start to 'beg' for them to give me something and that is also the decision that I am good with. I do like to think that I know my body well enough that before I get into that point I will have already asked for the epidural with plenty of time to spare.

More that anything though, I know my faith is preparing me for this new journey into motherhood. God has chosen me to be Isaac's mommy and bring his precious soul into this world. That blessing alone inspires and encourages me to no end. I also know that Christ is right there along with me to help me though labor and most of all through out his entire life. Today I am reflecting on a passages from Romans, talking about Christ's love for us. It starts out with one of my favorite verses Romans 8:31 if our God is for us then who can be against us? This verse has always inspired me that no matter where or what I am doing Christ is for me, he is there through it all. The passage then ends with the verse that I have chosen for my focal point Romans 8:37 Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. I love how this verse speaks to my heart. God loves Isaac more than I could ever love him, and in labor despite the anxiety, pain, anguish, or torment that I will feel it will be an overwhelming victory when my little boy is her with me!

31 weeks, and about 9 to go!

Last Thursday was the official day of our 31 weeks, but I was out and about and did not have enough time in the day. This week has flown by...so many activities to keep up with and the major heat wave that we just experienced did not really help. I am lucky to have my energy though, it really helped me get around to do all the things that I wanted to accomplish. The week started off with Father's Day! It was a great time to celebrate with both of our Dad's. And it being Eddie's first Father's Day made it all the more special. I really debated on if I should get Eddie a present, or just a card. Then when surfing the net on Amazon.com (on of my newest favorite sites ever!!) I found the perfect Father's Day gift, an baby Miami Heat hat. In the years to come Isaac will be able to get him lots of gift that are just for him; because although this gift if for Isaac to wear I know Eddie will beam with pride with his #1 fan sitting next to him on the couch enjoying some Miami Heat basketball.

Isaac's new Heat hat to wear during season

Isaac sure did a lot of growing this week as well. Sometimes it is hard for me to tell because I do see this big ol' belly everyday but this morning when getting ready I just had to tell him, "Baby Boy, you are filling out!". He weighs about 3 to 4 pounds, and is almost about 16-17 inches long. When you speak number like this is really starts amazing me that our little peanut has grown so very much!

The visit to the Dr. for the 31 week check up when great, my weight gain is on track (woo hoo!! finally) and Isaac responded to the Dr.'s touch like he was suppose to which made Mommy really proud . I also go a special little treat because the other patients were running behind I got another little sneak peak of my little boy. As of last Friday he is head down but in the face up position, I of course was wishing that the ultrasound was in 3-D but I will setting for any pictures of my little man and time until I get to see him in person. The time has also now come for the visits every 2 weeks, and then next month they will be weekly...which means we are getting closer and closer. The nursery is still and under construction zone but coming together nicely. Eddie is off for the summer so I have my 'Honey Do List' getting longer and longer, I am glad that I have such a wonderful supportive hubby. At least we are making progress!!

Things to look forward to next week: My 2nd baby shower hosted by my wonderful Mother in law, the 4th of July, and our last birthing class.

30 Weeks

Yay! Today we reached the 30 week mark and I do feel quite a sense of accomplishment even though our little guy is not here yet. I has been an amazing journey being pregnant thus far, and I am relishing in the last weeks that he will be in my tummy. It has been an unique bonding experience that I will never forget. This week I am finally starting to feel the effects of summer. The Bay Area weather has decided that Summer can hide no longer and the temp is rising. This comes with both excitement and some annoyance. My excitement is that I LOVE Summer! It truly is my favorite season of the year filled with BBQ's, family events, Birthday parties, and FUN. However, the annoyances would be that I am already hotter than the average person so I sweat just sitting or standing, because my ankles like to swell I am confined to wearing my running shoes, and I will not be attending any pool parties (or public outings) in a prego swimsuit! (Awww...that does feel better to vent) Although I must admit I do feel spoiled to have an A/C at home, not everyone has one at their home and for this I feel really blessed.

Something new that our little guy showed me this week is the infamous, "tummy rippling/popping out". He must of made a sharp turn or big stretch because "pop" out went my tummy from his elbow or foot i'm not sure but it was such a cool site to see. Then last night he wanted to play around for about 30 minutes rolling back and forth! He sure put on as show for me and kept me awake to see it. He reminds me all the time that he is a growing bigger and bigger as well as that he has a mind of his own.

We had our first shower this past weekend!! It was hosted by my long time friend Sam (a special thanks to her and all the work that she did). This was our first shower ever, and it was amazing. I have never been one that likes to be the complete center of attention but in it being a baby shower the Mommy to be is some what the center but mostly the baby.

Our First Shower 

Our little All Star's First Cake - by Jill Gonsalves

Awesome Diaper Cake - by Leanne 

About to play a game "spit the binki" 

Another item that I really had to start on this week was getting all of Isaac's things organized. We were blessed with such love at our first Shower that starting his closet was a must! It was a bit more than I thought it would be but I have to start some where. My original goal was to have everything ready 6 weeks before I am due, and as of right now we are pretty much on track for that to happen. Seeing his clothes in the closet and organizing the blankets, hats, shoes, etc was bringing tears of joy to my eyes. To see the items laid out and put in drawers really brings a sense of realness. Realness that he is almost here, realness that the clothes that I am putting away very soon this busy little body that is moving all the time inside of me will be wearing them.

Yesterday we were able to make it to see my little niece Belle promote from preschool to kindergarten! It was for sure an "oh my goodness" moment. I was also blessed to be in the room the moment she made her debut into the world, and I beamed with pride as she walked across the stage stopped in the center turned around and waved to us all then excepted her first diploma (I am getting teary as I type). The little girl that she has grown into is just amazing in so many ways. She will be an awesome cousin for Isaac in years to come that is for certain. Being a part of her milestone tugged on my heart to think about the future of our little Isaac.

Things to look forward to this week: Eddie's first Father's Day! (2) Giants Games one for the minor league and one for the major league, and our 3rd birthing class.

29 weeks and about 77 day to go

Tried to get my face in this time...but couldn't get the belly and the face :) 

Well, the first will week of our third trimester is officially over! On the week 29, with about 77 days to go. I almost like speaking in terms of 'weeks' verses saying 77 days because when I talk about the days it makes it seem so much shorter. The nesting that  I did last week really had me going....not only physically but emotionally.   When I use to feel like I had all the time in the world to prepare for Isaac I now feel like time is slipping away, and I wonder if I'll be ready in time. A part of me knows that I am an 'on top of it' kinda gal but I think that these irrational prego hormones surging through my body tell me otherwise at times. I attribute these hormone surges to the ups and downs of pregnancy. Meaning, one day I feel like I am on cloud 9 and not as often but some days I can feel like what the heck am I going to do!!

Last night did bring much relief to the anxiety that I have had in prior days because we started our birthing classes!! It will be a total of 4 classes and with only one under the belt I already feel like I know so much more and have a better sense of preparedness. I love love love our instructor, she is not only knowledgeable but has a great personality to keep you focused and entertained. Going into the class I wasn't sure what to really expect. I kinda of thought is this going to be clinical and boring just going over all the medical things to expect and how to time your contractions but to my surprise our instructor Donna got right into what Daddy's role is, what breathing relaxation techniques to start practicing, and my favorite part how to massage. Eddie was so adorable, every time she would say, "this is important for you Daddy's to remember", Eddie would grab the pen and jot down the notes. I seriously just melted my heart. I have no doubt that my man is AMAZING in countless ways but to it was just so adorable. I especially liked the homework that she gave the  Daddy's: A massage for Mommy every day until labor! The twist is that us Mommy's have to repay the favor but hey I don't care this mean a massage every day I'm so in!

Because these are weekly posts now, I would like to end with the things that I am looking forward to in the next week: More nesting, my first baby shower, AJ's playoff game, my beautiful niece Belle promoting from preschool,  and working less hours!

Hooray for the Homestretch!!

I am so excited, in months past it seemed like it would take FOREVER for the third trimester. In a way this trimester crept up on me. That is not to say that I have not been counting down the weeks or even day until my due date, it just seems like not that long ago that I was telling Eddie that I was pregnant! In this past week we have made some head way at home. Nesting mode has set in! We picked up the crib and got the bassinet in our room; however there is still a lot of moving of the furniture that needs to be done to make it complete. Of course I won't be doing any of the heavy lifting just directing...just the directing of what to do. I would like to have everything in place furniture wise within the next two weeks. Because we have a small space we are limited on storage I don't want to get to overwhelmed with baby items just in piles. A baby in a small space will for sure have to be another blog all together.

Health wise Isaac and I are doing great! Cutting back my hours at work seems to really be taking a good effect both physically and emotionally. Although, not everyday is a walk in the park great I feel good overall...but have begun to notice some other body changes. Just this weekend a my littlest sister Kara said to me what only a sister could. She said, "Wow! your ankles are swollen...you have kankles!" Had anyone else made this comment especially my Hubby I would have lost it on them and told them where they could go...but sisterly love is unlike anything else. My response was laughter! She is right I do have some kankles going on.  This past week the swelling has taken itself to a new level, and the reality was that I needed better supporting shoes. For weeks I have tried to deny it but...finally have to put my flip flops in the closet and put on my running shoes every day. What a difference that made this week...the water retention is still there but the throbbing and aching has subsided a lot. Needless to say, I am borderline kankles now..LOL

Reaching the third and final trimester is another milestone in the pregnancy that I am gladly welcoming and giving a big HELLO, HOWDY, and HOORAY to. I anticipate the summer months even if I won't be rockin' my bathing suit (well at least in public) this season. I am embracing my body changes along with nesting mode and ready to see my little boy growing in Mommy's oven!!

27 weeks

27 weeks is officially here today. This makes it the last week of our second trimester. It seem really odd to me that June is just right around the corner after the weekend and in a few short months our little bundle of boy will be at home with us. Now about to enter the third and final stretch of our journey I would like to start blogging every week. I know that there is so much to do and so much to come. And once little Isaac is here it will probably be a monthly update if that.

I am pretty sure that Isaac has hit another growth spurt in my tummy just in the past two days and he is falling into a little bit more of a predictable pattern of movement. Looking at my Baby Center website it is so amazing to me that this little guy started out no larger than a kidney bean and he is now the size of a head of  cauliflower! I have for sure had my own highs and lows of pregnancy, and these past couple of weeks since our scare things have really been on an upswing to the highs of pregnancy again.

Things I am looking forward to in the coming weeks: Starting to get the nursery 'large' items together, beginning to set up his closet and clothes, possibly another 3D ultrasound (I can't wait to see his face), starting our birthing classes, and my first baby shower!!

Isaac's First Close Call

It has been almost two weeks since our first very alarming and scary ordeal that sent us labor and delivery at 24 weeks pregnant. It has taken me this time to be able to reflect on all that has happened as well as share the story with out feeling like I am going to burst into and emotional mess. At first I wasn't sure that I was going to blog about this because I wasn't sure this is something that I wanted to be reminded of or really wanted to share this with many people. Yet, the more that I thought about it this is something that I don't want to forget and talking about it is what has really helped.

Winding back the clock almost two weeks....Friday May 6th - 24 weeks pregnant

In the morning I got up to do my usual routine. QT with God, light cleaning around the house, packing lunches, and then off for a walk with my Mom. When we began the walk I felt a little dull ache under my belly button but shook it off. The dull ache persisted on and off during the walk but didn't get stronger until after the walk...again I shook it off and thought maybe I just need to go to the bathroom.

It wasn't until I got to work that I first thought that the pain was odd. Mainly because it was reoccurring off and on. Now it was about 10:30am and usually Isaac is very active in the morning pushing, kicking, and stretching. But, I wasn't feeling him move too much. My initial reaction was that maybe I should eat some food and give him some energy (11am). Well, that did not work...actually the pain came back even stronger. This is when I think I fully began to realize that I needed to speak to an advice nurse. I called in, and my hopes were that in explaining what was going they would reassure me that what I was feeling was normal for XYZ reasons and in being a first time mom not to freak out. WELL...that is not what happened at all.

The nurse quickly got on the phone and walked though my symptoms with me on the phone. There was a short pause and then she said, "what hospital are you delivering at? Because if this is preterm labor it is best that you are already at the hospital" This is when the first alarm bell went off. She then patched me over to the OBGYN at Kaiser Hayward, and they told me to come into the offices there. At this point I was starting to really 'freak out' knowing that I am only 24 weeks along all of these scenarios started running through my head. But, first things first I needed to call Eddie and have him come pick me up.

Before Calling Eddie, I tried giving myself a pep talk about remaining calm and not freaking him out. Can we say backfire...The instant I heard his voice my voice started to quiver and I could feel tears rolling down my face. Who was  I trying to kid..Eddie is the strong calm one and I am the emotional one. I explained what was happening and he was on his way to get me. When Eddie got here, he has lots of questions of course and the only thing I could say was, "we just need to go get checked out".

I immediately contacted my family to ask for prayer: to stay calm, for strength, for Isaac's health as well as my own. I knew that what lied ahead was going to be difficult and that I was really out of control of the situation. On the way to the hospital one of the first cars that we pulled along side had a bumper sticker that read - "Before you were conceived I loved you" - GOD. I could feel my eyes beginning to sting with tears. At the next light, the car right in front of us had a casing around the license plate that read - "Life is fragile - Pray Hard". I did not take these as a sign of divine intervention but just as reminders that Isaac and I are both in God's hands and all we could do at this point was pray.

When we arrived at the hospital it was rather nerve racking. We had to wait for a while to be seen but once the Dr. came in and completed the exam we began to feel much relief. She let us know that Isaac was doing good, he wasn't under any serious stress, the fluids around him looks good, and his heart rate was normal. She did need to send some things off to the lab but other than that it looked good. Before she let us go she wanted to send us over to another station to get a stress test to make sure that the pains that I was feeling were not contractions. We headed across the hall and got all 'hooked up' to the monitors, and before the nurse left the room she mentioned that the number on the monitor should stay around 20, if it goes up to 30 or more I am having a contraction. We were in there for about 5 minutes relaxing thinking that we would be going home in about 20 minutes or so. Then...the monitor spikes to 30,31,33,55. Within 5 more minutes another spike in the monitor but this time it was over 40. After another 5 minutes or so, there was another one! The nurse comes in, tears off the sheet and says let me show this to the Dr. She quickly returns and says, "There is enough activity that the Dr. wants you to go over to labor and delivery for more monitoring". It was those words that really began to ring the alarms in my head.

We headed down the hall and into the elevator. Eddie who had been so calm this whole time it was the first time that I saw a little nervousness on his face. As we arrived at labor and delivery there is a sign above the door that says "Motherhood Begins Here". There was so many emotions running through my body at this point, but I think I was still in some shock because I just had this numbing feeling. As we rounded the corner to the nurses station I felt as if I was in a dream. Knowing that you are only 24 weeks, it was just crazy because I keep thinking, "I am not suppose to be here for another 3 months at least!!". I had never been admitted to the hospital so as they began the whole process it was just weird. I am getting all strapped up to the monitors, in a hospital gown, and Eddie is wearing the 'significant other visitor' badge. ayy! ayy! ayy! weirdness!!

As I tried to remain calm the RN and her assistant are getting me all situated, asking similar question to what I had been asked before. I leaned over to Eddie and said, "you know that I won't be able to vaginally deliver him tonight...if he comes it's going to be by c-section." Eddie just stroked my head and said "don't worry baby that isn't going to happen".  Then we prayed together for God to watch over Isaac and me. The Dr. came in an explained the test that she wanted to complete as well as again reassuring me that if he was born tonight he is old enough to survive. She completed another ultrasound and all looked well, but sent out for some more labs. What seemed like an hours that passed she returned with great news. The contractions had stopped! At this point she didn't know what to say other than they were confident that it must be a bladder infection that was causing my uterus to contract. More waiting.....then the results are in. NO bladder infection, and the Dr's are officially stumped. She said that we were very luck and appeared to have "dodged a bullet". And like that we were free to go.

Although, they were all stumped I was not. I knew that the power of prayer was at work. This was not a fluke of just plain luck this was God's hand at work. God continually amazes me, I was speechless and in awe of how he stepped in we were headed home with Isaac still in the 'oven'. After all that had happened I just began to count my many blessing. I am so blessed to have Eddie as my husband. He was my rock through this entire ordeal: loving, strong, compassionate, supportive, understanding, calming, and still able to make me smile through it all. I am blessed to have family that would get on their knees and pray for Isaac through out this all. And I am blessed to be Isaac's Mommy. All of this was also so emotional on top of everything seeing that it was Mother's day weekend. We attended church on Sunday and Stacey our Pastor's wife delivered the message. What the main point boiled down to "Our children are not for our happiness our children are for our holiness". Her words just resonated within in me. This in a nutshell expressed all that I was feeling from the days before. This entire experience of being conceiving and being pregnant has drawn me closer to God. I know that this will not be Isaac's only close call in life, and my prayers are that I can be the best Mother to him that I can be.

Happy Birthday Anthony Jace

AJ it turning 6!

I say it every year with this kiddo, "I can't believe he is __ years old!". Anthony aka. AJ or Skoosh is turning 6 years old May 9th, and I'll say it again I can't believe that he is 6 years old. He is finally at the age were he himself is also getting excited about his own birthday which makes it all so much more fun. Of course time wise it make sense that he is already 6; Janelle and Jackson have brought into this world my three beautiful nieces, and now Eddie and I have our little Isaac on the way. Yet, I still have this wonder and amazement that so much time has already passed. AJ is an amazing little boy. Of course I am biased because I am his Tati (Auntie) but in all he really is. I know my sister Anna would be the first to say she lucked out with such an "easy baby". AJ is a such a sweet and tender little guy, the way that he dotes on his cousins warms my heart. He says, "If Belle brings home a boy, I am going to protect her..and also Juju, and Fiona. Because I protect all the girls". His capacity for compassion at his age astounds me. Even though playing pretend super hero and wrestling are two of his favorite things he can also just be so compassionate towards the needs of others.

First Soccer team Fall 2010

I love to spend as much one on one time. Just last week we had some Skoosh and Tati time Friday night. On the way to grab dinner we was just chatting away telling me about this new game that he has for his Wii, quizzing me on the some math that he just learned at school, and already wanting to know how to drive a manual transmission! I can just see how much he has changed year by year and I am just so blessed to have him as my nephew. Seeing him grow in these last 6 years has really taught me a lot and I feel in some way prepared me for what lies ahead in the next stages of my life with my own son...but well just have wait and see!  Happy 6th Birthday to my Skooshy baby boy!!

Love that serious face! 

Second Trimester Bliss

Issac @ almost 23 weeks

We are in the last stretch of the second trimesters and I have more energy, my skin is really starting to glow and I really have no complaints at this point in time. "Boy oh Boy!!!" is what Isaac hears from me all day and sometime quite a few times during the night. He sure is a busy little boy in there. From the first time I felt him move I went about a week between movements and then the movement became closer and closer...and I know that from here on out there is no letting up. This little stinker had me up and down all night :) I can't  complain because I only had to get up for minutes at a time. And in a few months that will no longer be the case it could be 30 minutes to all nighters...My little mover and shaker is very active and I am loving every minute of it. He reminds me that here's there and that he is growing more and more with each passing week. The experience of feeling your own child move inside of your body is amazing. Like many of the pregnancy experiences you really have no idea what others are talking about or really describing until you are living it yourself. The time that I have to bond with him almost makes be feel selfish in a way. I asked Eddie if he felt 'left out' and his response was, "Not really, I know that I could never handle pregnancy! and that is those are your perks" and he could not be more right. It is my little perk! I started to think of pregnancy as a whole and not only are we so blessed to be welcoming in a new member of our family but there are some very much liked perks along the way.

                     My Top 10 Perks 
# 10 - Journaling/Photo journaling of the experience of being pregnant
# 9 - No one looks at you weird for having seconds (you're feeding for two)
# 8 - Getting new clothes (who cares they are maternity - shopping is shopping and a gift is a gift!)
# 7 - The extra boding time with just mommy and baby
# 6 - Time off of work monthly for Dr's appointments
# 5 -  Extra foot and back massages
# 4 - A little bit more attention from friends, family, and your spouse
# 3 - Getting to feel baby grow and move
# 2 - Your voice will be the first thing baby knows
# 1 - Knowing that you are a part of the amazing miracle of life and joining the elite group of Mothers

I know that I did not list every perk, and thought I'd keep it simple and choose my Top 10. I sure many mothers have their list of perks but there is when it comes down to it I'm confident that the one that I saved for #1 would rain supreme. Knowing that you area part of the miracle of life and joining the elite group of Mothers is something very special and goes beyond just a perk. Motherhood is a blessing and I am blessed that the Lord has called me to be a Mom, that he trust me to take care and raise a precious little life. I feel beyond lucky to have this experience as a women. I know that men as much as they may think they could handle any and everything they are quick to admit that pregnancy is one thing they do not mind letting women handle.

He has Risen!!

Easter circa 1990

In past years I have always been excited when Easter comes. My excitement would swirl around the welcoming of Spring, new dresses, candy filled eggs, and family festivities. I knew that those things that excited me were not the reason for Easter and all together really had nothing to do with Easter; however those things seemed to steal my focus in past years. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a nice little chocolate bunny, candy filled eggs, buying a new dress to look snazzy in, or enjoying the fellowship of family and friends. Yet, to keep that the main focus of the day makes you really miss out. Looking back I can see that I was really cheating myself out of celebrating the "Super Bowl" of all Sundays! Easter is the day to celebrate a King! The resurrection and sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us. Seriously what could be more worthy of our praise and admiration? Certainly not a basket full of candy and toys!
Our amazing church band at South Bay Church played a song this past Sunday and in it the lyrics simply state, "Thank you for the cross". As I sang out those words my eyes welled with tears of joy, appreciating, and love. To reflect on and think of Easter as a day to celebrate the cross and what is represents warms my heart in a new way. To know what he endured on that cross for each and everyone of us is breath taking! I think could I have done that? Would I sacrifice my son? In my heart a know that my thanks is not all that Jesus is looking from us. Most importantly he is seeking to be the #1 in our lives, the one who we seek daily, the one who we depend on for everything. He calls us be in a relationship with him and he wants all of us wholly surrendered every day not just on Easter.

I invite anyone reading this come to South Bay Church with me and my family this Sunday! They are having 4 services, 8:30am, 10:15, 11:30, and 1pm. It is going to be a great and powerful message about living the ONE life that we are given with NO regrets. I am really looking forward to hearing it and can't wait to celebrate that HE IS RISEN!!!

Like Father like Son

Little Isaac, waving hello to the world out there!

Yesterday we got the pleasure of seeing out little guy Isaac again! For those reading this that we may not have told yet, or that didn't see my last post we have a name for our Little Toasty Bun...Isaac Edward Keli'i Tostado. It was not only amazing to see him again but to see how much he has grown in this short month since we saw him last. I can definitely say that I am growing a our little miracle inside of me :) At Kaiser the tech first takes Mommy back to take all the many measurements by herself, and then they call Daddy back to come and see the final show. I wished Eddie could have been back there with me the entire time but I guess we have to follow protocol. The measurements that were suppose to take about 25-30mins took much longer...roughly about 45-60mins! The measurements that she needed to get Isaac was in the wrong  position. He was looking towards my back so she got plenty of spinal shots, and boottie shots. The tech kept saying, "you have one stubborn little baby in there". She tried all the tricks in the book, I got up to go pee twice, laid on my right side, then my left side but he would not flip at all. Her final resort  to try and get him to flip and change positions was to nudging him with the ultrasound thingy...well let's just say he was not a fan of that at all.
The tech exclaimed, "did you feel that!?"
I replied, "that big kick? Yes I totally felt that!"
Then she said, "He just kicked at my hand, I just saw it on the monitor."
I  then told her, "well he's being stubborn and "bronco kicking" like his Daddy "

She was finally able to get the shots that she needed, although Isaac kept putting up his arm and casting a shadow over his heart. The tech hoped that I wouldn't have to come back because they were a bit blurred. So, she finally went to go get Eddie so we could share in the time of seeing our little man together. As I had thought Eddie was very much relieved as he was thinking something was wrong because of how long I was back there. The tech shared with Eddie about "stubborn baby"
he laughed and said, " he gets it from me". (nice that he can admit that! LOL).
The tech replied, "that is what I hear"
Eddie said, "IIIssssaaaac" with a smile.
And what did our little guy do....he flipped positions and showed his heart for the perfect heart shots! The tech was elated.
She snapped the necessary pics and laughed saying, "do you know how long we have been trying to get these pics!"

We all were amazed, he heard Eddie's voice and turned right towards him. Also because he had kept showing his back and little buns she was not able to see his "man hood", but because he has flipped he showed his package when Daddy was in the room. Isaac then put on a little show rolling, waving, and as the tech put it he was being "off the hook". It is just so profound to see how Isaac already has his own little personality.
The tech asked me, "do you have to go to the bathroom early in the morning all the time?
I said, "yes..." Just knowing that it is common for prego women to go often.
She then replied," well you want to see why...there is your bladder and there is his feet."
It was almost like he was doing a little tap dance right on my bladder! I have been telling Eddie for the past week that Isaac has been waking me up in the morning when he is awake and moving...well after seeing that we now know that its confirmed Isaac is messing with me (LOL). I wished we could have gotten more pictures but since Issac was being stubborn and I went to the bathroom twice during the exam to empty my bladder the pictures did not come out so clear. But, I am just glad that we got the pictures that the Dr's need to look at his anatomy and make sure all is good to go.

This week marks the half way point for mommy and Isaac's pregnancy journey. Woo hoo!! In some ways it does seem like time is starting to pick up and before I know it he'll be here. Yet, on the other hand it still seems like each week is taking forever....I am just taking it day by day and enjoying this special time. I can feel him moving in there more and I like to talk to him all the time. It is is an amazing boding experience that I will never forget. I know that I have years and years ahead of me with all kinds of different experiences at different stages of life with my son and I can't wait for what lies ahead. I just always say to him everyday, "Mommy loves you Isaac and I can't wait to see you to give your little face lots and lots of kisses!"

He's growing...20 Weeks 

Adventures in Baby Naming

Well, we did it! The name of  Little Toasty Bun (LTB) can officially be retired unless used as a nickname. We have picked a name for our son: Isaac Edward Keli'i Tostado. I know it didn't really take that long but for someone like myself who had been dreaming of naming their first born child for years, this experience really did seem to take quite a while. Eddie and I couldn't of been on further ends of the naming spectrum. We started out with 3 vetos each but really ended up vetoing almost every name that each other put out there.With a couple of names that he suggested I really started to question...how well do I know my hubby?? (lol)  With all the discord of not liking each others picks there was a few things that we could agree on; and that was that the name had to be a strong name, not anything too trendy, and it needed to have a good meaning. Well, these "simple requirements" didn't seem so simple once we put them to work along with the thought that this will be our child's name for life and it's not something that can be changed...well at least we as parents would never do that. Although, I have read some post on my pregnancy board about people doing that (eekkk!!). We both have fallen in love with this name and now could not imagine any name but Isaac. I thought about trying to keep the name to ourselves or maybe just family but really...who are we trying to kid we are the same couple that told everyone that we were expecting before the first trimester was over. So keeping the name to ourselves didn't work out either. Overall, I feel much relief that I can now refer to my little boy as Isaac, and that this naming business is over for now. It has been an adventures every step of the way in our pregnancy and it was a fun experience getting to pick out a name for our first baby! I hold much anticipation for what it to come in the next few months and can't wait to hold little Issac in my arms and tell him in person how much his Mommy and Daddy love him!

We joined Team Blue

This weekend we found out that we are having a baby boy!  It still has yet to completely sink in that we know the gender of our Little Toasty Bun. It was with much anticipation that I quickly jumped from.."hmm I don't know if I want to know the gender??" to "I can't make the weeks go by fast enough until I find out!!". I partially still feel like I am walking in a dream because anyone that has known me for a long time knows that because I was blessed with ALL sisters and no brothers I have always wanted to have a boy be my first born. Well, as I got older and once I found out that we were expecting to be completely honest it really didn't matter what the gender was as long as the baby is healthy. Yet, there is still that little of splendor of joy inside screaming, "All my dreams are coming true!". And with much excitement we join Team Blue.

Now comes the hard part thus far...find a name for this little boy. As you may have noticed I am still referring to him a LTB. Well, that would be because his Daddy and I are have not found name. #1 we haven't found a name that we just love, and #2 we really can't seem to agree on what we do like. The task of picking a name for LTB is much much harder than I thought that it would be. I know that we have plenty of time to find a name but for some reason I can't shake this nagging feeling. Probably mostly due to my personality of wanting to everything planned and in place. So, we are somewhat set on waiting to see him. I think that may make the naming process best. But, only time will tell. 

It is a different feeling to know that we have a little boy in there. There are lots of reasons why my original thought was to wait and have it be a surprise. Of course there is also lots of reasons that some do find out the gender. It makes the name picking a lot easier, some of the clothes and nursery shopping easier as well. However, when my very wise cousin Deborah told me her reason for finding out the gender I was for lack of a better word "sold". She shared what an amazing boding experience it was for her to know that she was having. Once she told me that  I could not wait, I knew that I would need to know ASAP. It is already an amazing boding experience carrying LTB and seeing my tummy grow but now to know that he is a he and he is all mine (well I do have to share with Daddy) is just brings a warming to my heart that I really cannot fully express right now.

It's kinda hard to tell but that is his boy parts :) 

LTB relaxing, ankles crossed and hands behind the head!