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!!