29 week miracle

How far along: 29 weeks.

Total weight gain: I went to the OB appointment on Monday and I’ve only gained 2more lbs in the last 4 weeks for a total of 14lbs. Too bad my Nurse practitioner was on vacation and didn’t see major progress!

Maternity clothes: I still like to wear both as far as the tops go

Best moment this week: Hearing her heartbeat again and spending so great quality time with my family that came to visit from Arizona. It’s been a great and blessed week!

Foods: No complains here! I love, love, love food! Since I feel like I’m constantly eating, I’ve decided that I really need to munch more on healthy snacks, so I’ve been eating more fruits and veggies. Quick pat on the back for me. Haha

Movement: Lots and I love it every time!

Gender: Sweet little girl

Labor signs: apparently I’ve been experiencing contractions, and I had no idea! When I went to my appointment on Monday, the NP asked me if I’ve been experiencing any contractions and I said “no.” However when she said that it may be in a form of feeling pressure “down under” I was like “oh my gosh, I have been!” I swear some days after I walk too much or do more work than usual, I feel sooo much pressure in my pelvic region! It feels like I’m bruised. She said it’s normal as long as they are very infrequent and go away while I rest. I shouldn’t experience more than one contraction every 1/2hr, which I haven’t.

Belly Button in or out: Still only the top is out. It came a long way from where it’s been!

What I miss: just the usual: being able to get up without rolling over three times before I actually do, breathing normally again, etc. Like I said, the usual.

How I feel: So excited to move in a little under one month! I’ve already started packing. Also, I only have 8 days left of work!!! I’m going to miss my coworkers, but I’m so excited for some time off! I’m also super scared that the house we’re trying to buy won’t be ready for us to move into before we get there!

Milestones: My OB visits are every 2 weeks now! She also weighs 3lbs and is about 15in long, and I only have 27% left before we see each other. Gosh, I can hardly wait to meet her!

The pink little shoes

Once upon a time there was a girl. And she was one happy girl, too.

But not as happy as she was this day... the day that a boy

proposed to her... some little, itty bitty, tiny,

melt-my-heart-to-butter-when-I-think-about-who's-going to-wear-them-soon, pink shoes.

After not much hesitation, she accepted his proposal...

Now her life is complete because she has the boy's heart and also

the tiny little feet that those pink little shoes are waiting for.

And they lived happily ever after...

I can't say it's "The End" because it's only "The Beginning" of a love story between a girl, and a boy and some tiny pink shoes

28 week miracle and a new haircut...

I feel like this belly is SO BIG!

.... and a frontal shot. Can you tell I cut my hair? NO?

Well, here's a closer look. What do you think?

How far along: 7 months!

Maternity clothes: I still wear both. I feel like a lot of non-pregnancy tops look a lot better on me than the maternity ones.

Best moment this week: Going shopping for this Little Love. Since I can’t decorate her room, I felt like picking some things for her took the edge off this crazy nesting thing I’ve been experiencing but can’t do anything about.

Foods: Um… I love all foods.

Movement: Lots of it, and each week they are getting stronger and stronger.

Gender: Little Miss.

Labor signs: None. I haven’t even experienced the Braxton Hicks yet.

What I miss: Not a thing! Except maybe my underwear fitting right.

How I feel: I’ve been feeling great lately. I sleep really well, and haven’t felt sick. It’s getting harder and harder to do simple things like get up, reach things and tie my shoes (this is the hardest of them all). Also, remember how I was talking about the Rhogam shot last week? Well, I did a bit more research on it this past week, and also talked to two other doctors. They both advised me to have the shot. Also, some of my research says that the mercury preservative in Rhogam has been removed since 2001. I also had about 5 voicemails from my ob clinic asking (demanding pretty much) me to reconsider my decision (which was a bit annoying. They didn’t even want to take into consideration my concerns.) Anyhow, I ended up having the shot on Monday, not because I felt pressured, but because I did my researched and weighed my options. Now I just have to pray that I made the right decision and that my baby will be ok.

What I’m looking forward to: Seeing my family this weekend! I haven’t seen them since May, and I’m really excited about hanging out with them. I’m also looking forward to moving and decorating my new home, of course.

Milestones: I’ve entered my 7-month of pregnancy! I only have 30% left. It seems like it went by so fast but so slow at the same time. She is about 15inches long and weights 2-3 lbs. Her eyes are also partially open now. My little girl is growing away and I just love her more and more everyday!

Getting to know each other...

Last week Ashley tagged me for this "8 question game", and this sweet "Southern Blonde" gave me a versatile blogger award which requires you to list five things about yourself and tag 5 other awesome bloggers. I decided to just combine them into one post...and here we are. Thank you ladies for thinking of me. You are both awesome!

1. If you won a free, expenses paid trip to any ONE country, which one would it be?

There are so many places I would LOVE to see! I think on the top of my list are

France, Spain, Australia, and NZ. I'm really attracted to the history, food, and

scenery those places have to offer.

2. If you could redo college (undergrad) for free, would you choose the same degree?

If you would have asked me this one year ago when I just started working I would

have said "NO", however, now I'm not as sure. I have gotten a whole lot more

accustomed to my job, but sometimes I still wish I could just put some nicer clothes

on,rather than just scrubs. However, if I was completely honest, the perfect career

for me right now would be a stay at home momma who can spend her time raising

her little baby girl ( and this is something I never ever EVER would have said a few

years ago).

3. Would you rather live in the City or the Country?

I'm somewhat of an in between kinda girl. I like the peacefulness of the country, however I also like how close and accessible things are in the city. SO I guess the suburbs are my best bet...

4. Would you rather run 5 miles or bike 10?

I think I'll take the running... I'm a really bad biker.

5. Do you already have your future children’s names picked out?

Yes I do... But you'll have to wait just a few more months to find out what it is...

Personally, I'm already in love with her name, even though it's a bit different.

6. Are you team Bill Compton or Eric Northman (If you don’t watch True Blood, you can skip this question)

Ummm... what? I am probably part of that 1% of the population that does not watch this show. Sorry :- (

7. What is your favorite TV show? If you want you can say which is your favorite show whose season just ended and one that is about to start.

I've been watching WAY too much TV in the last few, well, years. There are so many shows that I really like, including Gray's, Criminal Minds (even though this show has maid me completely paranoid), and the Amazing Race.

8. What do you think is the most important detail of a wedding, that you attend? For example, The DJ/band/music, cake, ceremony vows, main meal, open bar, etc?

I can't lie, I'm obsessed with good food, therefor the main meal would definitely be one of my top wedding details.

Now it's my turn to ask the questions... So lets get to know each other shall we?

1. If you could eat anywhere in the world, where and what would it be? (Can you tell I'm always thinking of food?)

2. What is your favorite childhood memory?

3. What is your idea of an ideal date?

4. Who has been your biggest inspiration?

5. What would you say is your biggest accomplishment?

6. Are you a diamonds or pearls kind of girl?

7.Would you rather read the book or watch the movie?

8. If you had enough money, what store would we find in your walk in closet?

I am tagging/awarding those beautiful ladies, however, any of you are more than welcome to participate.

1. Jax

2. Sarah

3. Shar

4. Courtney

5. Jesse

Happy Monday!

Time for some fall decor

Ladies, I'm in a bit of a predicament. See, I LOVE FALL, and I absolutely LOVE decorating! However, since we'll start packing in a couple of weeks (because we're moving in one month! Yay!), it wouldn't really be wise of me to unpack all my fall things and start decorating, just so I have to repack it all two weeks later. Sigh... So now I have to live vicariously through all of you decorating lovers, as well as through all the beautiful sites sharing all those decor ideas. Like those...

Wouldn't this make the perfect fall table setting for Thanksgiving or any other fall get-together?

The right throw pillows can turn any boring couch, chair or room into a festive fall haven. Love them!

Even the front entrance needs some TLC around this time of year, don't you think?

Those golden gourds can light up any rainy fall afternoon... I find them just gorgeous

Simply black and white... with a simple touch of pumpkin love, turns this room into an elegant fall dream

I hope you got inspired... Happy Friday and Happy Decorating!

27 week miracle

First week of my 3rd trimester! I'm sooo excited!

And a front shot...

How far along: 27 weeks! Holly cow, I’m in the last stretch of the race!

Total weight gain: I haven’t weighed myself since my last appointment, but I believe I’ve gained a few pounds considering the fact that I had family over and we ate A LOT.

Maternity clothes: Still both. I really like wearing cute non-maternity tops though, too.

Best moment this week:

Foods: Love it all!

Movement: Lots! And I still love it all! And sometime I can tell she is switching her position around because it literarily feels like she is flipping herself upside down.

Gender: Little Miss Sugar ‘n Spice!

Labor signs: Nope, none yet. I haven’t had the Braxton Hicks either so far.

Belly Button in or out: the top of it is really out. It’s so weird putting my hand over my tummy and feeling my belly button out! I think it shall come out more!

What I miss: Not having Charlie horses so darn often!!! This has been going on for a couple of months now, and they hurt like CRAZY. I seriously feel crippled, and limp around for a few days after I have them, and yesterday for the first time ever I got one in my arm. I could hardly bend my arm, it hurt so badly! I also really miss fitting properly in my bras and underwear. I seriously considered this week if wearing them is REALLY necessary. For the sake of world peace and sanity, I decided that it was (unfortunately).

How I feel: RH negative and confused! Those of you who are RH negative may be aware of the fact that pregnant women usually get a Rhogam shot around 28 weeks and than again after you deliver your baby. That’s due to the fact that in case your baby is RH + the first time, you can form antibodies that could harm your second child. However, there is this whole controversy that the majority of OB practitioners don’t mention, including the fact that some Rhogam shots have mercury in it which, if given while you’re pregnant can seriously harm your baby’s neurological system. I was supposed to have this shot this week, and I opted against it. I just don’t want to take the chance of harming my baby in any way. Besides, in case this child is RH positive, I can still have the shot right after delivery to protect my second baby, without putting this one at any risk. It seems so hard making the right decision since it’s not as black and white as some people make it look. Are you familiar with this and have you researched it? If yes, please let me know what your opinion is on it.

Milestones: I’m in my third trimester!!! I think the next 13 weeks are just going to fly by considering how busy we’ll be.

A baseball game and family time

It's so, so, so great having family and friends over! I have really been enjoying the last week with Brandon's sister and her family, and Saturday nigh one of his friends from Idaho came to visit us as well and he'll be staying for one week. It's just so nice to take a little break and go out to spend some quality time with those you love. And that's exactly what we did this weekend, especially Sunday.

We started out the day with a nice big breakfast and then went to a baseball game. The Texas Rangers played vs the Yankees and unfortunately for the Yankees (and half of our group that were cheering for them) they lost... for the third time that week. We still had a pretty good time in our "all you can eat" section, with a little more sun than we would have liked.

This is our whole group before the game. The stadium is right behind us.

And here is some some proof that we were actually there...

And of course a picture of the two of us cheesing away... Yeah, I got a little camera happy because, well, I'm not that much into sports first of all, and also because nothing was happening for more than half of the game.

That's when I also realized that my feet weren't fitting my shoes anymore all of a sudden. They were fitting just fine on our way to the game, but after a few hrs they felt a few sizes smaller! They didn't look swollen, but they didn't fit anymore and I even got a nice blister on our way back to the car. How weird is that? Finally, my sweet hubby decided to give me his flip-flops, carry my shoes, and walk barefoot the rest of the way. Can I get a big "awwww"? Thanks!

After we were all nice and sweaty, not to mention smelly from spending four hrs in the Texan 90something degree weather, we had to go home and take a nice cold shower so that we could go out in public again and not have people wonder where the roadkill smell was coming from. And out to eat we went again to this really cute Mexican/Salvadorian restaurant with really yummy food.

Here's my SIL with one of her girlies. They are leaving today, but no worries, we'll see each other again in one month when we move.

And here is my super yummy food! They have plantains and I absolutely LOVE them!!! I was also the only one from our group of 7 that eats meat. I got a lot of "what dead thing are you eating this time" type comments, but I didn't care 'cause it was mmm good!

And finally, finally, FINALLY a picture of the "three" of us! I've been waiting for it for so long! It's kind of hard to include my belly in a picture with the two of us also in it when we've got no one around to take it. Most of our pictures together have been at an arm's length lately. But check us out now looking all hot and pregnant (both meant quite literally since it was still hot out)!

I hope you guys had a wonderful weekend too! Happy, Happy Monday!

Baby Shower...and my "moment"

Can I just say that after last night I totally had the biggest "holly cow, I'm going to be a MOM in a few months!!!" moment. A mom. Me. Going to be a mom. Some little sweet girl's mommy. WHAT????!!! Gosh I wish they came with a set of instructions on how to raise the perfectly normal child. I think it would be great if they were part of the delivery process. It would be like "Oh, here's your baby. Hold on, you're not done yet... Here come the instructions. Oh, and here's the placenta. NOW you're done." Yeap, a nice set of instructions right in between the baby and placenta delivery would be absolutely perfect. Sure would make me less stressed out about the whole thing.

Anyhow... Got sidetracked for a second there (seems to happen a lot lately...) from the original post which is: I had my first baby shower! It was a small and sweet shower thrown by my hubby's family that lives in Texas. Those ladies are so very sweet! The shower was at Olive Garden and we enjoyed a really nice meal and had some great laughs together before I opened all the gifts that this little girl received. Yeah, it was sometime in between the first and last bag of pink girly stuff that I had the above mentioned (freak attack) "moment." Overall, it was an amazing night and I had such a great time. I feel so blessed to be part of this family. I really mean that, too.

My sweet SIL that's visiting us this week and I right before the shower... She's been so awesome to hang out with those last few days.

Here are some of the presents my sweet Little Love was given.

Gosh, there was a LOT of pink!

And I got my dipper bag!!! Remember it from here? I promise it's just as cute as in the advertised picture. Love, LOVE, love this bag!

I was sooo excited about it, that I HAD to show the daddy all the things I got as soon as I came home. He was just saying "Oh boy..." and I think that he was having a lightbulb "moment" just like me, and that was his way of expressing it.

Oh, and just in case you forgot... It's a GIRL! and I couldn't be more happy about it!

Happy weekend ladies!

26 week miracle

Growing away

How far along: 26 weeks…. I can hardly believe that next week I’ll be entering my 3^rd trimester!

Maternity clothes: I still wear a lot of my own tops since many of them can stretch out, however pants are a must (unless they are scrubs which I still fit quite well for now).

Best moment this week: getting to see and spend time with a whole bunch of family. We had my husband’s family reunion this weekend and my SIL with her kiddos and husband are still here until Monday. I LOVE having family over!

Foods I love: Lots of fruits and hummus. Not together though.

Foods I hate: There’s no room for hate here!

Movement: Lots and I love it! Her daddy got to feel her kick a whole lot more now too, which is amazing!

Gender: Sweet little baby girl!

Labor signs: None for now and I like it that way.

Belly Button in or out: It’s funny, because only a little tiny part of it is out and the rest still in.

What I miss: breathing! Gosh I never though I would miss breathing so much! She keeps on pushing on my diaphragm and I get really short of breath…

How I feel: A bit anxious about everything that’s about to happen. I’m about to tell one of my team leaders today that we’re moving next month and that I’ll only be working for about 5 more weeks. I’ll really, really miss my coworkers here. They’ve been a blast to work with. Also, the bank may not get through all the paperwork before we move since the house we put an offer on was a short sale. That stresses me out to no end! I would just hate to move into a rented, temporary place first, and then move into the house. It would be such a hassle and I was really looking forward to decorating our baby’s room and just settling in finally for crying out loud. Is that too much to ask?

Milestones: Her little lungs are growing away, and this week she’ll take her first breath. Her eyes are also fully developed even though they are still shut at this point in time. I just find all that so amazing! I just cannot wait to see her beautiful, bright eyes!

A very Happy Birthday!

Today I would like to wish a very happy birthday to a man that has been such an important part of my life....

To my best friend, my traveling, and adventuring buddy...

To the one that has introduced me to new places and adventures...

To this crazy goofball that just cracks me up at times...

To the daddy of this little love....

To the love of my life

and the one that keeps making my dreams come true every day...

I love you and can hardly wait to celebrate many more birthdays with you!

Happy Birthday love!

25 week miracle

Let's compare a little this week, shall we?

15 weeks

25 weeks...

How far along: 25 sweet weeks!

Total weight gain: Yeah this seems to be the huge issue now. Remember how I said that at my last OB appointment I got yelled at for being 1lb over my “expected norm’? Well, yesterday when I went to my monthly OB checkup, I really got to hear it. Ladies brace yourselves.... I gained 7 pounds in the last four weeks!!!! One more pound and it would have been double of what I was supposed to gain! That’s more than half of what I gained this entire pregnancy. I almost wanted to die when I stepped on that scale! It’s not pretty and I know it. I think it’s all going to my hips and legs. I have to stop eating ALL THE TIME but I’m just constantly hungry. Oh food, I knew us being best friends was too good to be true. So she told me I need to eat healthier and exercise. But who feels like exercising after a crazy 12 hr work night? Definitely not this girl! Note to self: “Ok, breathe in, breathe out and stop eating like you’re ready to give birth to an elephant.”

Maternity clothes: A bit of both. But pants are a definite must.

Best moment this week: Hearing her heartbeat again! Love that sound!

Foods I love: I refer you to the above mentioned weight issue. Obviously me not loving all foods is not the problem.

Foods I hate: I don’t really have anything specific anymore.

Movement: Lots of it. Brandon got to feel her move and kick a whole bunch this week and it was wonderful.

Gender: Little diva.

Labor signs: None, and let’s not talk about those yet because I’m terrified.

Belly Button in or out: Still flat, neither in nor out.

What I miss: Not having weight issues obviously and having underwear that fit right. But there are way worst things that can happen, so really, I wouldn’t change having this little love for anything in this world.

How I feel: 1. Paranoid about the whole weight gain thing. I just don’t want to gain a whole bunch of weight and not be able to get rid of it after. 2. Happy that we’re having family over starting this Wednesday and until the end of September. It will make the weeks go by a lot faster.

Milestones: I have 15 weeks or about 37.5% left. That seems like such a short time, doesn’t it? Also she started breathing through her nose this week and weighs 1 ½ lbs. How exciting is that!